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Traditional leaders have expressed their disapproval of calls by legislators for the legalisation of abortion through the abolition of the Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1977.
Speaking in the National Assembly last week, chairperson of the health and childcare portfolio committee, Daniel Molokele, who is also Hwange Central MP (CCC) said the Act should be repealed, arguing that it was against the promotion of gender equality as enshrined in the constitution and placed women in dangerous situations.
Molokele also stated that there was empirical evidence demonstrating a high prevalence of pregnancy termination, particularly among high school and university students.
Reacting to Molokele’s call for abortion to be legalised, Chief Ngungumbane of Mberengwa District in Midlands province, likened abortion to the murder of an innocent soul.
Speaking to the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/abortion-calls-spark-public-debate/">Chronicle</a>, the traditional leader said the calls for the legalisation of abortion go against Zimbabwe’s cultural norms and values, adding that Zimbabweans rejected its legalisation during the 2013 constitutional review exercise. He added:
<blockquote>
That is taboo. It is just the same as murder of an innocent soul hence its rejection in 2013, the same way gay rights were rejected.
These calls do not resonate well with our cultural norms and values, and even the marriage fabric will be badly affected.
</blockquote>
Chief Ngungumbane warned Zimbabweans against ” importing” foreign cultures in the name of human rights.
Chief Siabuwa of Binga said a child was a blessing from God and terminating pregnancy was going against the creator himself. He said:
<blockquote>
Do you want to die yourself as an individual, no one wants to die. Are children not a blessing from God and we all know they are? So, why are you denying them a right to life?
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Council of Chiefs president, Senator Chief Mtshane Khumalo of Bubi District also described legalising abortion as a foreign practice. He said:
<blockquote>
As traditional leaders, there is nowhere we can recommend abortion, it is something foreign to our values and knowing the present Parliament, I don’t see that motion getting any support at all, there is no way that we can support this.
</blockquote>
Archbishop Alex Thomas of the Roman Catholic Church’s Archdiocese of Bulawayo said:
<blockquote>
The Bible clearly states that thou shall not kill. Abortion must only be in exceptional cases as enshrined in the law otherwise making it open will only make things worse for our society.
</blockquote>
However, Reverend Nhlanganiso Moyo of the Presbyterian Church said that he was not opposed to abortion, saying the issue was never mentioned in the Bible. He said:
<blockquote>
It should be legalised but with clear text that only on strong reasons must a person abort, otherwise we may lose our moral values and social fibre.
We welcome the proposal to review the Termination of Pregnancy to expand the circumstances under which safe abortion is allowed.
</blockquote>
Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe health cluster lead executive director, Edinah Masiyiwa, told the Chronicle that her organisation was firmly behind calls to repeal the Act. She said:
<blockquote>
Women are dying from unsafe abortions, and treating unsafe abortion is costly to the nation compared to offering women safe abortion services.
</blockquote>
The Termination of Pregnancy Act only permits abortion in three specific scenarios:
<ul>
<li>The continuation of the pregnancy endangers the woman’s life or poses a serious threat of permanent impairment to her physical health.</li>
<li>The child may be born with serious physical or mental defects.</li>
<li>The fetus was conceived as a result of rape or incest.</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Traditional Leaders Reject Calls For The Legalisation Of Abortion

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday morning handed over 100 vehicles to “deserving” chiefs, with more vehicles, including those for newly appointed chiefs, reported to be on the way.
The handover ceremony was held at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), this Thursday, 29 February.
Posting on X, George Charamba, who is the Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications), said deserving chiefs received vehicles today.
He however did not elaborate on the criteria used to determine the traditional leaders who deserved to receive new cars. Said Charamba:
<blockquote>
In his address, His Excellency exhorted chiefs to unite their subjects and preach peace, reminding them Zimbabwe is a unitary state, with no room for divisions that inspire threats to the integrity of the country.
He addressed the issue of hunger in the country, adding Government is putting in place mechanisms for immediate intervention to distribute food the needy families across the country.
The Chiefs, through the President of the Chiefs’ Council, Chief Mtshana Khumalo, appreciated the support extended to all chiefs, including stipends, infrastructures, health insurance and many other social interventions which have raised the welfare threshold of chiefs.
</blockquote>
The ZANU PF-led government prioritises traditional leaders in distributing national resources as they mobilise rural people to vote for the ruling party during elections.
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GHfLnq8WQAE87D3?format=jpg&amp;name=medium"/>
This is another case of misplaced priorities on the part of the government as some police stations don’t have vehicles and at times police officers are reportedly offered transport by suspects, while some hospitals also don’t have a single working ambulance.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mnangagwa Dishes Out 100 Brand-new Vehicles To Chiefs

Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa on Wednesday said there was a need for the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women including in the traditional leadership structures where men dominate.
Addressing traditional leaders in Harare during a meeting that was held under the theme “Enhancing Justice Outcomes for women in traditional courts of Zimbabwe”, Mutsvangwa said women are entitled to equal rights and dignity as men.
She cited the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa, a protocol that guarantees extensive rights to women, including the right to take part in the political processes, social and political equality with men, improved autonomy in their reproductive health decisions, and an end to harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation, among others. Said Mutsvangwa (<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200023745/mutsvangwa-calls-for-more-women-chiefs">via NewsDay</a>):
<blockquote>
The protocol emphasises that women are entitled to equal rights and dignity as men, and are encouraged to uphold African cultural values that promote equality, dignity, justice and democracy.
Traditional courts can play a crucial role in addressing gender issues by providing a culturally sensitive and accessible forum for women to seek justice and work towards reversing harmful traditional practices that perpetuate gender inequalities.
</blockquote>
Mutsvangwa said having women in traditional leadership structures would promote a more gender-sensitive and inclusive justice system.
The President of the National Chiefs Council, Mtshana Khumalo said every traditional leadership structure in the country now includes women. He said:
<blockquote>
We now have women as village heads, as chiefs, as headmen, and as assessors.
They also enjoy those cultural chores equal to men, which was taboo before the enactment of the Constitution.
</blockquote>
In Zimbabwe, traditional leaders have a crucial role to play owing to their authority and proximity to the people and their primary mandate to preserve customs and traditions derived from the Constitution.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mutsvangwa Calls For The Inclusion Of More Women In Traditional Leadership Structures

The Government has warned chiefs, headmen and village heads that those who are selling State land to desperate land seekers face dismissal and prosecution.
Four village heads from Dema in Mashonaland East Province have since been convicted after appearing in court for selling stands in undesignated places.
The parcelling out and selling of State land has become rampant, not only in Dema but countrywide, especially close to growth points and peri-urban areas.
The Director of Communication and Advocacy in the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works Gabriel Masvora told The Sunday News that the Government is conducting capacity-building workshops within the country’s eight rural provinces to conscientise traditional leaders on their role and ensure they do not overstep their mandate.
He said the issue of land distribution in exchange for bribes was one of the major objectives of the workshops due to an unprecedented increase in “Sabhuku deals”. Said Masvora:
<blockquote>
The sale of State land is illegal. The duties of a village head are spelt out in Section 12 of the Traditional Leaders Act 29:17 and do not include land allocation.
The land is allocated by the rural district council concerned after the submission of names of those who want communal land to the council and a resolution is then made.
Our ministry carried out capacity-building workshops from May 2022 to April 2023 at all the eight rural provinces in every district and the meetings were attended by chiefs, headmen and village heads.
The duties of each traditional leader were explained and illegalities were spelt out. Chiefs and headmen supervise village heads, and where the rampant sale of land occurs, they are empowered by the law to recommend dismissal.
We continue to engage the Council of Chiefs which is an assembly of elected traditional leaders and the provincial assembly chairpersons to continue to raise awareness of the illegality of land sales and the consequences thereof.
Several village heads have been convicted of illegal land sales in the country with the recent example of Dema village heads convicted on 8 January 2024.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe Council of Chiefs president Chief Mtshane Khumalo said that traditional leaders are aware that State land should not be sold and those engaging in illicit land deals should be arrested.
Early this month, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said police will arrest land barons and anyone illegally selling land in the country, regardless of their status.
ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged members of the public to verify the status of any land before being settled or made to pay for purported allocation or development.
He said the public should report criminal activities by land barons at any nearest Police Station or National Complaints Desk number on (0242) 703631 ог WhatsApp number 0712 800 197.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Village Heads Risk Dismissal, Prosecution For "Sabhuku Land Deals"

Traditional leaders in Zimbabwe have been accused by a leading human rights watchdog of being responsible for nearly half of the human rights violations occurring in rural areas. Civil society organizations (CSOs) have been closely monitoring human rights abuses across the country and are concerned that traditional leaders have shifted their focus from leading community development to actively involving themselves in partisan politics.
These allegations have emerged in the wake of reports that traditional leaders have been engaging in intimidation, abuse, and the politicisation of food aid distribution programs. According to Tapiwanashe Chiriga, an advocacy officer from Heal Zimbabwe Trust, traditional leaders accounted for 40% of all human rights violations in Zimbabwe this year alone. Chiriga told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200021106/traditional-leaders-top-rights-abuse-list">NewsDay</a>:
<blockquote>
In the run-up to the 2023 elections, village heads were illegally appointed ZANU PF cell chairs and became the epicentre of a litany of human rights abuses including but not limited to intimidation, partisan deprivation of government aid, forced attendance and participation of their subjects at ZANU PF meetings, rallies and activities.
On election day, they marshalled their subjects to the polling stations forcing them to vote for the ruling party. 
The continued partisan conduct by these traditional leaders is largely a result of ignorance of the law and the few who know the law are afraid of losing their positions thanks to ZANU PF’s control of appointment processes. Some have been forced to support the ruling party because of the politics of patronage.
</blockquote>
Chiriga stressed the need for traditional leaders to adhere to their constitutional mandate and protect the rights of their communities.
Wilbert Mandinde, the acting director of the Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum, expressed concern over the increasing politicisation of traditional leaders, accusing them of aligning themselves with specific political parties and abusing their authority. Mandinde stated that some traditional leaders have overstepped their boundaries and engaged in issues of political violence, which is beyond their mandate.
The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) recently reported that traditional leaders engaged in voter intimidation by identifying and taking down the names of those who voted for opposition parties. These actions raise significant concerns about the impartiality and integrity of traditional leaders.
In a policy brief released in June 2022, the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) noted that traditional leaders have been characterised as “willing enablers” of the ruling party, with allegations of their involvement in politically-motivated violence, electoral malpractices, and partisan distribution of food aid. ZimRights expressed concern that traditional leaders have become an extension of ZANU PF, eroding the institution’s local ownership and compromising its neutrality.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Watchdog: Traditional Leaders Responsible For Nearly Half Of Human Rights Violations In Rural Areas

Sithembiso Nyoni, a legislator for Nkayi North has urged traditional leaders in Matabeleland North province to engage President Emmerson Mnangagwa to quicken the construction of the 158km Bulawayo-Nkayi Road.
Speaking during a virtual debate hosted by the Nkayi Community Parliament, Nyoni who is also Zimbabwe’s Women Affairs, Community and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister, expressed her concern over the lack of progress made in rehabilitating the road, which has been under construction since 1993.
Nyoni stated that she had met with Chief Mtshane Khumalo, the deputy president of the Chiefs Council, to discuss the matter and requested that traditional leaders engage with the President to understand the reasons for the delay in completing the project. <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200014540/mp-ropes-in-chiefs-in-road-rehab-campaign">Southern Eye</a> cites her as saying:
<blockquote>
The Nkayi-Bulawayo Road is troubling us all. It needs us all to see what we can do about it. I remember the President at some point saying he wanted that Nkayi-Bulawayo Road to be a priority, then we were let down by the contractors.
I had to sit down with the chiefs. I sat down with (Chiefs Council deputy president) Chief Mtshane Khumalo.
I said to him, chiefs are responsible for the development of the whole country. Nkayi- Bulawayo Road is a problem for us. It passes through your chiefdom and in other chiefdoms in Nkayi. So we request that as chiefs, you even go to the President to understand what is holding the project.
What the community should know is that we are all concerned about the project and all efforts are being made for the project to be a success.
</blockquote>
In March 2023, work resumed on the road after the Government disbursed funds for the project. The rehabilitation of the road is part of the Government’s five-year economic master plan, the National Development Strategy, which aims to develop sound road infrastructure.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development has allocated a budget for the rehabilitation of 15km of the road annually, and more than 40km has been covered so far, according to State-run media. The road’s completion will facilitate transportation and trade between Bubi, Nkayi, and Kwekwe districts, and is viewed as an essential enabler towards achieving the set targets under the National Development Strategy.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

MP Urges Traditional Leaders To Engage Mnangagwa To Quicken Road Construction

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has urged chiefs to uphold constitutionalism and stay away from politics.
Speaking during a pre-election workshop for political parties and other stakeholders held at a hotel in Bulawayo on Tuesday, ZHRC executive secretary Delis Mazambani said chiefs’ mandate is fostering development and resolving disputes among their subjects.
The <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local/article/200013892/stay-away-from-politics-chiefs-told">Southern Eye</a> reported that Mazambani reiterated that the country’s Constitution forbade traditional leaders from being members of a political party. Said Mazambani:
<blockquote>
Section 282 of the Constitution states that traditional leaders who include chiefs, village heads and headmen have several functions that include facilitating development and resolving disputes in their communities in accordance with customary law.
The Constitution bars traditional leaders from being members of any political party or participating in any way in partisan politics, acting in a partisan manner, or furthering the interests of any political party or cause.
</blockquote>
The Constitution states that chiefs must be apolitical, and “must not in any way participate in partisan politics, act in a partisan manner, further the interests of any political party or cause or violate the fundamental rights and freedoms of any person”.
In 2020, the Election Resource Center approached the High Court in a bid to see the president of the Zimbabwe Chiefs Council Fortune Charumbira punished for defying a court order that ordered him to issue an apology in 2017 after <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/chief-charumbira-ordered-to-withdraw-statement-urging-chiefs-to-support-zanu-pf/">he was quoted urging all chiefs to rally behind ZANU PF in the elections that were going to take place the following year.</a>
Chief Charumbira refused to apologise prompting the ERC to approach the court again.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Human Rights Commission Tells Chiefs To Stay Away From Politics

Some ZANU PF candidates for the upcoming general elections in Midlands Province are reportedly now resorting to commandeering traditional leaders to force their subjects to attend meetings due to poor attendance caused by disputed primary elections held in March.
Reports indicate that ZANU PF members have been snubbing meetings protesting the manner the party held its primary elections.
Thousands of bonafide members failed to vote after their names went missing from the voters’ roll giving an unfair advantage to some candidates.
ZANU PF secretary for security Lovemore Matuke will be in Gweru on Tuesday for a crisis meeting to deal with the simmering tensions.
<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200011574/zanu-pf-bigwigs-sweat-over-poor-rally-attendances">NewsDay</a> reported that on Friday, only 17 people attended a meeting organised by Gokwe-Nembudziya parliamentary candidate Flora Buka that was addressed by provincial political commissar Maud Ngwenya.
The meeting was held at the Nembudziya Rural District Council offices (Gokwe North) to mobilise support for the forthcoming elections.
According to a WhatsApp message that was circulated on Sunday, Buka has now called another meeting this Monday at the same venue.
She ordered chiefs and to order village heads to bring their subjects to meeting. Reads the message:
<blockquote>
Mamuka sei nhasi, muudze masabhuku vauye nevanhu vavo vose kumusangano mangwana pa council pari kuuya national PC (good morning, can you tell the kraal heads to bring all their subjects for a meeting at the council offices which will be attended by the national PC).
</blockquote>
Buka beat sitting MP Justice Mayor Wadyajena twice in an election the latter claimed was rigged.
ZANU PF ordered that re-runs be conducted in only five constituencies yet the party had received complaints of voter malpractices from over 150 of the 210 constituencies across the country.
ZANU PF primaries were run by Forever Associate Zimbabwe (FAZ), controlled by the Central Intelligence Organisation and Heritage, which is linked to the army, according to a report by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/news/article/200011541/trouble-brewing-in-ed-backyard">The Standard</a>.
A ZANU PF internal document titled Talking Points dated 27 March 2023 revealed that FAZ, led by CIO deputy director-general Walter Tapfumaneyi had the major say in the elections.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZANU PF Candidate Orders Traditional Leaders To Bring Subjects To Meetings

Former Vice President Kembo Mohadi on Thursday revealed that traditional leaders agreed to gather their subjects to polling stations on voting day and ensure that they vote for ZANU PF.
Speaking at the official opening of the refurbished Mhondoro Hospital in Mubaira, Mashonaland West province, Mohadi said:
<blockquote>
In the meetings we have had with chiefs and headmen, they have assured us (ZANU PF) of a victory.
In fact, on voting day, the headman will marshal his subjects and ensure they have all voted before he votes last.
This we will do so that we take stock and make sure that what we taught each other is followed.
</blockquote>
During a meeting in Gokwe South District in August last year, Mohadi, who is ZANU PF’s second secretary, told chiefs, headmen, and village heads to actively support ZANU PF. Mohadi said at the time:
<blockquote>
Please we are asking you our chiefs, headmen and village heads to develop your organisation (ZANU PF). ZANU PF is your party, did you know that?
Know from today that ZANU PF is your party. We want to fight this war against the West-fronted opposition.
ZANU PF liberated this country. Did you know that this party is yours? We want you to increase the number of people to vote for ZANU PF.
Did you hear we want five million votes next year? We want them to vote for ZANU PF and through you, we know we will achieve that.
We want every village head to give us people we will check according to your register … If we are organised, we will rule until the donkeys have horns.
</blockquote>
Since Zimbabwe’s independence from colonial rule in 1980, ZANU PF has used traditional leaders as part of its campaign machinery in rural areas.
However, the Zimbabwe Constitution says traditional leaders should be apolitical. Chapter 15:2 of the Constitution states that:
<blockquote>
traditional leaders must not be members of any political party or in any way participate in partisan politics, act in a partisan manner, further the interests of any political party or cause or violate the fundamental rights and freedoms of any person.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Villagers To Be Gathered At Polling Stations And Vote ZANU PF, Says Mohadi

ZANU PF Second Secretary, Kembo Mohadi has reminded chiefs to use their influence to persuade their subjects to vote for the ruling party in the upcoming elections.
Mohadi openly campaigned for ZANU PF at Chief Maduna’s installation ceremony over the weekend in Filabusi.
Chief Maduna’s installation ceremony was attended by several chiefs, headmen and traditional leaders from other areas.
The former Vice President told the incoming chief that he has to work with the current government, which he even abbreviated as G.O.D.
He said tasked Chief Maduna with ensuring that his subjects vote for ZANU PF in upcoming elections so that the ruling party wins “resoundingly”. CITE quoted Mohadi as saying:
<blockquote>
Since you gave us the power to liberate the country, there is one thing we ask that you help us with. Please may you work with us.
Work with the government and work with the ruling party because this celebration of traditional leadership is done by the ruling party. If it was not for the ruling party, this would not have happened.
We ask you to advise your many followers to work with the government of the day. I usually abbreviate it to G.O.D -Government Of the Day.
The government of the day is ZANU PF and will always remain ZANU PF. We ask that you support us.
There should be peace, go out and vote well. But my request is when voting, go and vote for the political party that liberated this country and that party is ZANU PF.
ZANU PF is the one that is enabling all the development you are seeing, so please tell your followers that they must vote for ZANU PF. We want to win resoundingly.
When I came here I asked who the headmen are, as they are the ones who lead people. They are the ones who will make people go and vote for ZANU PF.
You traditional leaders are the ones who will make people go and vote for ZANU PF.
</blockquote>
The Constitution of Zimbabwe forbids traditional leaders from being members of any political party as this greatly compromises the discharge of their duties such as resolving disputes amongst people in their communities.
The Constitution clearly stipulates in Chapter 15 section 281 (2) that:
<blockquote>
Traditional leaders must not–(a) be members of any political party or in any way participate in partisan politics; (b) act in a partisan manner; (c) further the interests of any political party or cause; or (d) violate the fundamental rights and freedoms of any person.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Kembo Mohadi Orders Chiefs To Ensure Their Subjects Vote For ZANU PF

Chiefs and village heads (traditional leaders) will get at least US$550 each as part of COVID-19 allowances backdated to May 2022.
<a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/us-dollar-windfall-for-village-heads">The Sunday Mail</a> reported that there are about 26 000 village heads countrywide, who will get US$50 per month from May last year as part of the perks.
This was confirmed by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works’ communication and advocacy director Gabriel Masvora.
He said the payments have since been approved and will be distributed through the Salary Service Bureau (SSB). Said Masvora:
<blockquote>
The ministry has now approved that the village heads receive US$50 per month as the COVID-19 allowance, and it will be backdated to May last year.
Village heads approached the ministry and argued that they have been playing a major role in the fight against the pandemic, hence they deserved to receive the allowances.
The government also approved a medical aid facility with the Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) for traditional leaders.
</blockquote>
Masvora said the government will pay 80 percent of the cost, chiefs will contribute US$3, sub-chiefs US$2 and village heads US$1 per month towards the medical aid facility.
He said the amount will cover a maximum of five family members.
Section 281 (2) of the Constitution forbids traditional leaders from being members of any political party or in any way participating in partisan politics, acting in a partisan manner, furthering the interests of any political party or cause or violating the fundamental rights and freedoms of any person.
In previous years, opposition political parties and civic organisations have accused ZANU PF of abusing the roles of traditional leaders by using them as political commissars to induce villagers to vote for the ruling party during elections.
The announcement of the US dollar windfall for COVID-19 which is no longer a threat a few months before general elections will most likely raise some eyebrows.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Traditional Leaders To Get US$550 COVID-19 Allowance Each

Traditional leaders in Masvingo Province mainly in Zaka District were reportedly defrauding ZANU PF candidates who were campaigning ahead of party primary elections set for 25 and 26 March 2023.
<a href="https://tellzim.com/traditional-leaders-milking-zanu-pf-candidates/">TellZim News</a> heard that some Chiefs were demanding up to US$500 to allow candidates to gather people in their areas of jurisdiction.
Headmen were reportedly demanding US$20, with village heads asking for at least US$10. Said a source:
<blockquote>
When I went to Chief Nhema’s area mainly wards 1, 2, 5 and 10, I talked to the party chairpersons in that area and they told me that they have no power to gather people without Chief Nhema’s approval.
The Chief then demanded US$500 for him to allow me to gather people in his area and I am having challenges campaigning in his area.
</blockquote>
Another source claimed that the practice was rampant in all three Chiefdoms in the district. Said the source:
<blockquote>
If you want to campaign in Zaka, you have to pay a fee which they call ‘mari yefodya yamambo’ (The Chief’s snuff).
All village heads demand a flat fee of US$ 10 while headmen demand a flat fee of US$ 20.
The amount varies with Chiefs, others charge you while others will accept anything like US$50.
</blockquote>
Chief Nhema born Rangarirai Bwawanda, however, dismissed the allegations as fake. He said:
<blockquote>
Who lied to you like that? There is nothing like that and please tell me who told you so that we ask him where and when I demanded that money.
</blockquote>
One aspirant, Davies Marapira, who was with Chief Nhema said the snuff fee was the custom everywhere in Zimbabwe adding people ought to respect traditional leaders. Marapira said:
<blockquote>
Chief Nhema doesn’t charge people. However, one has to give the Chief a token called ‘fodya yaMambo’ and it’s a tradition even if you go to your home area and ask the Chief, he will tell you the same.
You cannot just gather people in an area without paying that token to the traditional leaders.
I have been addressing people today and have since given the token to headman Gonese whose area I was in. I am yet to give the Chief his, but he never demands.
</blockquote>
Section 281 (2) of the Constitution forbids traditional leaders from being members of any political party or in any way participating in partisan politics, acting in a partisan manner, furthering the interests of any political party or cause or violating the fundamental rights and freedoms of any person.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Traditional Leaders In Masvingo "Milking" ZANU PF Candidates | Report

President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday handed over new cars to 38 newly installed chiefs during an annual chiefs’ conference held in Bulawayo.
The conference is being held under the theme, “Cultural Foundation for Community Development”.
Mnangagwa promised the traditional leaders that his administration will improve their living conditions.
He also challenged the chiefs and headman to ensure they defend their land ahead of the general elections.
The President promised the traditional leaders that the government will construct access roads to their homesteads, and provide them with medical aid cover, clean water and solar energy. <a href="https://cite.org.zw/new-cars-medical-aid-solar-energy-for-chiefs/">CITE</a> quoted Mnangagwa as saying:
<blockquote>
Our voters are under you since you have come in numbers, I hope you have trust in me, if you had no trust in me you were not going to come in big numbers.
Since you have trust in the second republic, we have trust in you traditional leaders in that you have to defend our land.
You have to defend the identity and the respect of the African person.
</blockquote>
The rest of the country’s chiefs are set to receive their cars in batches.

Mnangagwa Hands Over Cars To 38 New Chiefs, Promises Medical Aid, Solar Energy

A man in Mashonaland West Province reportedly convinced villagers that he was a traditional leader, Chief Devera, and made them pay tribute with livestock, menial jobs, and cash, among other things, for three years.
The man, Simbarase Chikuya, in 2019 told villagers that he had been appointed Chief Devera by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Since assuming the “throne”, ” Chief Devera” has made villagers in Chakari, Chegutu Six and Sanyati take turns to guard him.
The villagers have been taking turns guarding him and the homestead they built for him on a rock promontory.
However, records at the Ministry of Local Government in Kadoma show that the Devera chieftainship was abolished in Rhodesia and has not yet been resuscitated.
In an interview with <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/bogus-chief-fleeces-villagers-of-livestock-cash-free-labour/">The Herald</a>, Fanuel Yothum Torimirashiri, who resides close to Chakari Mine, said the “bogus” chief made villagers contribute seed, fertilizer, draught power, and labour every farming season. He said:
<blockquote>
He lied to us that President Mnangagwa had appointed him chief in 2019 and that within weeks, he would be anointed at a ceremony in front of us all.
He then appointed me his secretary and for three years we collected livestock, goods and cash from villagers. We have the records.
We even forced people to work for him in the fields and building his compound and shrine until recently when I differed with him for continuously demanding all sorts of payments from poor villagers, when the Government does not recognize the chieftainship.
We are not sure how we got blinded by this man who is not even a member of our clan. Now we know he is not a chief.
The Government has not appointed him chief. He is nothing. When it all started in 2019, he told us he had been appointed our chief by the President and we believed him.
We were taking turns buying him airtime, bread and everything. I would personally deliver the bread by bicycle to his home.
Later he demanded the bicycle itself and I had to sell it, to avoid it being confiscated.
</blockquote>
According to Torimirashiri’s records, corroborated by the eldest living Devera clan member Zivanai Muza, two headmen were appointed and made to pay six cattle each or USD$300, to buy the position. One of those who paid was Chuma Gora.
The 43 village heads appointed by Chikuya were made to pay a beast each at the same United States Dollars equivalent.
Chikuya on Friday told The Herald that he was appointed Chief Devera in 2019 and only waiting for an official ceremony. He said:
<blockquote>
I am their chief. I have been working towards the resuscitation of our chieftainship abolished in 1857.
I am just waiting for President Mnangagwa to come down here and anoint me. The venue will be Chakari Stadium.
No one is contesting that I am the chief. My papers are now in high offices.
All you hear is the work of detractors. Those I appointed into positions like village heads or headmen are my working team to put structures in place. People gave me goods of their own will.
</blockquote>
Chikuya claimed that the chiefdom straddles the vast gold-rich land that borders Chief Neuso to the west, chief Ngezi to the south and east and Makonde to the north.
Muza, who claims to be the oldest living member of the Devera clan, said Chikuya is from Gokwe and came to the area following his lover.
He said the “bogus” chief came to the place as a traditional healer, a Tsikamutanda.

"Bogus" Chief Fleeces Villagers Of Livestock, Cash, Free Labour

Human rights law expert, Siphosami Malunga, says chiefs alone cannot resolve the Gukurahundi issue due to its complexity.
This comes after President Emmerson Mnangagwa entrusted chiefs with the responsibility of resolving the issue which has remained unresolved for over 30 years.
Malunga, who is a programmes director for the Open Society Africa (OSA) made the remarks while delivering a public lecture on Gukurahundi in Bulawayo on Wednesday.
The lecture, titled: “Whose Truth, Whose Justice?” was part of the ongoing Asakhe Film Festival organised by the Centre for Innovation and Technology (CITE). Said Malunga:
<blockquote>
My initial criticism when the decision was made to ask the chiefs to deal with it was ‘what are they dealing with?’ ‘What are they being asked to deal with?’.
That was my question. ‘What are they being asked to address, what are they being asked to resolve?
Are we resolving the issue of people who quarrel, which chiefs do all the time in the village?
There are things that chiefs can’t resolve. Criminal cases, chiefs do not have jurisdiction over right?
A chief cannot resolve a murder. He has got no jurisdiction over it because there are laws that say certain things that happen must be processed in a particular way.
</blockquote>
Malunga expressed doubt in the traditional leaders’ capacity to resolve the Gukurahundi issue saying it’s very difficult to deal with atrocities. | <a href="https://cite.org.zw/chiefs-alone-cannot-resolve-gukurahundi%ef%bf%bc/">CITE</a>

Chiefs Alone Have No Capacity To Resolve Gukurahundi - Malunga

Chiefs and traditional leaders in Matabeleland say young men from their areas who are based abroad (Injiva), mostly South Africa and Botswana, are largely to blame for unplanned pregnancies and early child marriages in their areas.
This came out during a meeting organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works alongside the United Nations for women working with chiefs and traditional leaders in Matabeleland to end violence against women and girls in rural areas.
Senator Chief Siansali of Binga said Injiva and Omalayitsha (cross-border transporters) take advantage of poor young girls in rural areas and use promises of cash and goodies to entice them into sexual relationships. He said:
<blockquote>
These Injiva are also our children. They grew up here. It is the duty of every parent to teach their South African-based children not to take advantage of their neighbours to abuse them sexually.
Most of these children fall pregnant during examination time. They camp at schools because walking on a daily basis to school tires them and makes them lose concentration.
If more schools that are nearer to homes could be built it would make everyone’s job easier.
</blockquote>
It has also been established that girls in rural areas mostly get unwanted pregnancies around December when South African-based Zimbabweans visit the country.
Meanwhile, the partners in the initiative urged chiefs to establish safe shelters for victims and standby funds in their villages to cater for victims of violence.
| <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/injiva-behind-unwanted-rural-pregnancies-chiefs/">Chronicle</a>

Chiefs Blame "Injiva" For Unplanned Rural Pregnancies

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