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Walter Nyamukondiwa Chinhoyi Bureau
The protracted Chivero and Murambwa chieftainship wrangles could finally be resolved following the identification of heirs by a committee of chiefs from Mashonaland West province.

Findings of the committee were tabled before the provincial chiefs council here yesterday, which recommended Cornelius Chengera as Chief Chivero and Francis Makwavarara as Chief Murambwa. Following the death of a chief, the next family in line for the chieftaincy acts for a period of not more than two years.

It will automatically handover to the next family. But for the two chieftainships, the acting chiefs have been acting for periods of between four and seven years, as the families could not agree on who was next in line.

Chairperson of the provincial council Chief Dandawa said the delays were largely caused by acting chiefs, who in some instances derail the identification and handover process.

“We went and talked to the families and they agreed that Cornelius Chengera from the Nyahunzvi family is the next in line to be chief Chivero,” he said. “The same also applies to Francis Makwavarara of the Chimhanzi family who was recommended for the chieftaincy by members of the family.”

Chiefs at the meeting also highlighted that some of the people who acted as chiefs in some areas continued to masquerade as chiefs by retaining their badges. Mashonaland West provincial administrator Mrs Cecilia Chitiyo said there should be finality to the chieftainship in the two areas.

“I have had objections from some of the family members who do not agree with findings and recommendations of the committee,” she said. “It is up to this house to hear the objections and come up with a position.”

The chiefs then unanimously endorsed the findings of the committee after determining that it addressed all issues. Interim Chief Chivero disputed the findings of the committee, saying the meeting with families was held in his absence.

“I excused myself as I had gone to attend my brother’s funeral,” he said. “So there is nothing that can be done without my involvement as the incumbent. He demanded that the nominated chief should pay 200 cattle and a pangolin as appeasement. Acting Chief Chivero said the incoming chief had a role to play in serving those of his lineage and not to be the chief.

If he wanted to abrogate that duty, said the acting chief, the incoming chief should pay 200 cattle and return a pangolin that was prepared for him in line with tradition.

“I still have the scales of the pangolin that we prepared for him as Samagadza who is responsible for carrying out traditional rites in the chiefdom,” he said. This was shot down by other chiefs as a delaying tactic by acting Chief Chivero. The meeting was also addressed by heads of various Government departments, including the Rural Electrification Agency.