CHIPINGE TIMES REPORTER

CHIPINGE – Seven chiefs from Chipinge snubbed the installation of Ngungunyana to protest against the new chieftainship which they said was imposed by Government and is illegitimate.
The chiefs who were conspicuous by their absence at the big traditional event held at Flenders Farm Daisy Hill in Chipinge last Saturday where Happy Nxumalo was installed are Garahwa, Gwenzi, Mahenye, Mapungwana, Mupungu, Musikavanhu and Mutema.
All the chiefs who spoke to The Mirror said they do not agree with the establishment of the Ngungunyana Chieftainship as it never existed in Zimbabwe but across the border in Mozambique.
Chief Mapungwana born Anias Mapungwana said the absence of chiefs at the event is a show of disgruntlement at the ‘imposition’ of Ngungunyana chieftainship. He said chiefs were also not happy that the new chieftainship was going to disturb their current boundaries.
Chipinge District Development Coordinator (DDC), William Mashava confirmed the absence of the chiefs but was quick to add that they sent representatives. He said there was nothing wrong with the chiefs’ unattendances because they can choose to or not to attend.
He dismissed the allegations that Chief Ngungunyana did not have territory in Zimbabwe. He said he had a presence in Zimbabwe because his administrative capital was Espungabera in Mozambique and the military capital in Chayamiti in Chimanimani.
“I can confirm that all the chiefs in Chipinge did not attend the installation ceremony of Happy Nxumalo as Chief Ngungunyana. They sent their representatives and there is nothing wrong with that because it’s an event which they can choose to attend or not to,” said Mashava.
Chief Musikavanhu born Vusani Mutumebvi Musikavanhu said Government never involved local chiefs when it established the Ngugunyana chieftainship, and it was therefore their business to finish what they started. Normally Government consults all neighbouring chiefs before establishing a new chieftainship.
He said Government wanted the local chiefs’ presence in the last stages of the process.
“As chiefs we are adamant the correct steps were not taken in appointing Nxumalo as Chief Ngungunyana. We heard of his appointment when everything was done and sealed,” said Mapungwana.
Minister of State for Manicaland, Misheck Mugadza represented the Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe at the occasion.
Chief Mpungu born Happison Nxumalo is said to be related to chief Ngungunyana.
Some chiefs from other districts however, attended and they are Zimunya from Mutare District, Mutasa from Mutasa and Muusha from Chimanimani and these only arrived towards the end of the programme.
Zanu PF National Political Commissar Munyaradzi Machacha was among guests who addressed the gathering.
Nxumalo told Chipinge Times few days before his installation that he will be in charge of the whole of Chipinge District.
“History tells us he was based in Mozambique and his statue was erected by the Portuguese in Maputo. He only came to Chipinge when he made raids on the people of Mutema, Musikavanhu and Mapungwana.
“We therefore don’t understand how he fits in the matrix of the Zimbabwe chieftainship,” said acting chief Mutema.