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Runesu Gwidi in MASVINGO
Government has resuscitated the Bere chieftainship in Mashava, which was abolished almost a century ago by the Rhodesian settler regime.

This followed the installation of Phineus Tafirei (83) of the Mudyiravanji family as the first substantive Chief Bere in 94 years, on Tuesday.

The chieftainship was abolished by the former white colonial regime in 1925. The installation took place at a colourful ceremony held at Bere High School in Mashava which was witnessed by top government officials in the province led by Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Ezra Chadzamira and other traditional leaders from the province and beyond.

The Mudyiravanji family is one of 13 in the Bere ancestral lineage of the Shumba totem, affectionately known as Madzore.

Minister Chadzamira said the resuscitation and installation of Chief Bere was historic.

“We are gathered here to witness the installation of the new Chief Bere after the resuscitation of a chieftainship that was abolished 94 years ago by white colonialists.

“It is Government’s plan to resuscitate all chieftainships across the country whose areas of jurisdiction were turned into white commercial farms during the colonial era,” said Minister Chadzamira.

He said Bere clan members at one time protested fiercely over the take-over of their land by white colonists.

“The Bere Chieftainship was abolished in 1925 by the Rhodesian Government to pave way for the Land Apportionment of 1930, which saw the whites dividing Zimbabwean soil into their own commercial farms,” he said.

“The Bere clan is known to have at one time staged a demonstration against the taking over of their land by whites.

“Following the protests, the Bere clan was then split up by the settler government. Others relocated to Zaka, Gutu, Chirumhanzi, while some stayed put in Mashava,” he said.

Minister Chadzamira paid tribute to President Mnangagwa for resuscitating the Bere chieftainship after many years of failed attempts under the old dispensation.

“Chief Bere was appointed by the President Cde Mnangagwa in July 2018.His installation today will undoubtedly be welcomed by Bere villagers who have gone for a long time without a substantive chief,” Cde Chadzamira said.

Masvingo provincial chiefs’ assembly chair, Chief Chitanga (Mr Feleni Chauke) also praised Government for allowing Chief Bere’s installation.

“It is a real relief on the part of the communities. They now know where to lodge their customary law issues. It is a welcome development,” Chief Chitanga added.

The installation ceremony was attended by 4 Infantry Brigade Commander Brigadier General Exerbious Chuma, Zimbabwe chiefs’ council president Senator Fortune Charumbira and the provincial administrator Mr Fungai Mbetsa, among others.