Robin Muchetu

Sunday News Reporter

VICE-PRESIDENT Cde John Landa Nkomo has urged chiefs in Zimbabwe to work together and assist in the country’s governance, as they are   leaders and custodians of the land.

He said this during the installation of Prince Mandlakazulu Khumalo as Chief Mathuphula in Tsholotsho yesterday.

“Chiefs must help shape the governance of Zimbabwe so that generations that follow see that the nation was run well by all leaders,’’ said the Vice-President.

VP Nkomo said chiefs were an important assert in the country and in areas that they preside over. The installation of Chief Mathuphula came at an opportune time after the death of the former Chief Neja    Mathuphula Khumalo who died in 2007 left a huge gap that had not been filled.

“It is our tradition to rule in such a manner, we need to have one chosen person to rule over the land and be respected by the people thus today we install this young chief to rule the Khumalo people,’’ said VP Nkomo.

Thirty-one-year-old Chief Mathuphula is the heir to his late father’s throne as he is the eldest son and it is in accordance with Ndebele tradition that when a chief dies his eldest son takes over the throne.

Minister of local Government Dr Ignatius Chombo who officially installed the chief, said the ceremony was a momentous occasion where senior leadership of the  country gathered. He said the succession of the Mathuphula throne was not a difficult task as the heir was there already and that the chief was from the royal    family.

“Mathuphula came from Mzilikazi, King of the Ndebele people, a well- known and respected tribe in      Southern Africa,’’ he said.

Dr Chombo took time to explain some of the duties that chiefs perform.

“As a chief you are the custodian of tradition and morals of your people and you ensure that they are followed and adhered to,’’ he said.

He said the chief should ensure that his people benefit from the grain loan scheme initiated by Government and that they do not starve. He however told the chief to be firm with child molesters.

“I want you to be firm with individuals who molest young children, we now hear of children as young as two and three years being raped. It is disturbing. Make sure they are all brought to book,’’ he urged.

Dr Chombo said in an area where there is a chief there should be high levels of morality and uprightness. The chief was told that the role he has taken was not an easy one.