Zimpapers Logo

Blessings Chidakwa in Mhondoro-Ngezi
Mr Francis Mutemeri has been installed as the 18th substantive Chief Murambwa of Mhondoro-Ngezi district with Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister July Moyo leading the proceedings at Murambwa Primary School on Friday.

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Webster Shamu also witnessed the colourful event.
The Murambwa chieftainship fell vacant in 2012 following the death of the then incumbent, Chief Clavar Muduna.
In 2013, the Murambwa family nominated Mr Augustine Muduna as acting chief until the appointment of Mutemeri of the Moyo totem.

In his address, Minister Moyo said the appointment was above board.
“The appointment it is in accordance with the chief’s history, the constitutional provision and recommendations from the provincial assembly of chiefs and National Chiefs’ Council, that His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa saw it worthwhile to appoint Mr Francis Mutemeri as Chief Murambwa the 18th with effect from February 3,” he said.

Minister Moyo said unlike in the previous years where Government used to play a role in selecting traditional leaders, the new Constitution now only required local chiefs to do so.

“No President, provincial administrator, district administrator or myself should have a say in the selection of a chief, but the role lies within local chiefs and the chieftainship clan,” he said.

“Government’s role is only that of availing funds during the selection process. As for myself it is just to witness the proceedings and forward (the papers) to the President so that he signs.”

Minister Moyo described Chief Murambwa as a development-oriented person, urging the local authority, district administrator and business community to give him maximum support for the development of the area.

Chief Murambwa was born in 1962 in Kadoma and joined the liberation struggle in 1977.
In 1980, he became a member of the Zimbabwe National Army where he went through various courses.

“Through hard work and gallantry he rose through the ranks up until his retirement in 2012,” Minister Moyo said.
The chieftainship was founded by Karimuuswa during the 18th century and uses a system of collateral succession with three houses taking turns in order of seniority.