The ManicaPost
EVENTS that are unfolding in Marange since last week following the installation of a new substantive chief in the area are not pleasing.Without mincing words, a chieftainship wrangle has just erupted which is pitting brothers against brothers.
If not handled properly, the situation is likely to degenerate into a free-for-all and instability will be the order of the day.
Last Thursday, the Minister of Rural Development, Promotion and Preservation of National Culture and Heritage, Cde Abedinico Ncube, installed Mr Bernard Makungauta Murwira as the substantive Chief Marange.
This did not go down well with some elders of the Marange clan who quickly called the event a no-show, claiming the chief was installed through the back door.
Their argument is that well-known customary procedures were breached in crowning Mr Murwira as chief. They said Mr Taurayi Takwanyi Dzoma Marange was the rightful heir to the throne as his is the eldest surviving son.
The blame was placed squarely on Minister Ncube whom they alleged to have sinister agendas in naming and installing Mr Murwira chief, yet there are senior deserving candidates in line with their tradition and culture.
It is our considered view that this issue must be dealt with quickly before it degenerates into chaos and turns Marange into a hotspot of nuisance.
For the record, the new chief has since assumed his duties while the acting chief, Mr Gilbert Noah Gomo Chikwavadombo Marange has stuck to his guns, insisting that he is still in charge.
He is doing his daily chores at his court, settling disputes, while the new chief is also doing the same from his homestead. One area is now being governed and led by two people. Clashes are imminent. Yes, the new chief was installed last week but we believe that rendering a deaf ear to the pleas and cries of those who are alleging that they were robbed of their turn to ascend to the throne will be disastrous at this point in time.
This issue must be resolved by way of dialogue.
Those who are challenging last week’s installation were alleging that the ceremony was a surprise since it was never attended by members of the Marange clan, including the acting chief as well as 10 headmen under the chieftainship.
They reiterated that they will never work with the new chief, a situation that is likely to breed unending disputes in the area that have an effect of affecting future generations.
We believe that the Government through the District Administrator’s office must resolve this issue. Chieftainship wrangles have always been there but we believe that the Provincial Assembly of Chiefs must come in and set the record straight.
The one who is alleging that he was robbed of a chance to rule must be given an opportunity to state his case and be heard. We believe there are cultural institutions in Marange whose responsibilities, among others, include the preservation as well as ensuring the adherence and observation of cultural ways that are followed with regard to chieftainship. These institutions must be given an opportunity to explain the Marange chieftainship and what happens when a chief dies.We need to know how the throne is handed to those surviving and using what criteria. By so doing, the ways of the Marange people will be preserved and respected.
