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Tawanda Mangoma in Chiredzi
Government yesterday officially installed Chief Neromwe in Chiredzi after the chieftainship was abolished over a 100 years ago by the colonial white minority regime.

Addressing guests at the installation ceremony held at Marambakuzara Primary School in Chiredzi North Constituency, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Cde Ezra Chadzamira said Government was committed to re- establishing chieftainships which were abolished by the colonialists.

“We would like to thank the Government of President Mnangagwa for investigating what happened to the reign of the Neromwe Clan. The white colonialists removed chief Neromwe due to his opposition to white minority rule,” he said.

“The role played by Chiefs especially during the war of liberation cannot be over emphasized.

This is why the Government promised to attend to those shortfalls.”

He urged Chief Neromwe to shun corruption in his reign as government had engaged another gear in the fight against corruption.

Narrating the history behind the resuscitation of the Neromwe Chieftainship, Chiredzi District Development Coordinator Mr Lovemore Chisema said the resuscitation of the chieftainship was approved in 2015.

“The Neromwe Chieftainship was established in 1860 and was abolished in 1946. When the chieftainship was abolished the Chanyururwa family was reigning and upon resuscitation of the chieftainship the family agreed that the family continues to reign leading to the selection of Clemence Madzingo as Chief Neromwe.”

Mr Chisema said the Neromwe Chieftainship would cover ward 17, 26, 28 and 29 of Chiredzi District.

A member of the National Chiefs Council Chief Mazungunye said they are happy that Government has resuscitated the Neromwe Chieftainship.

“We are very happy that one of our own has been installed. We will work together with Chief Neromwe and we are always prepared to attend to any misdemeanours which might arise,” said Chief Mazungunye.

Traditional Leaders Support Services director Mr Felix Chikovo said Government was ready to reinstate all abolished chieftainships to preserve the country’s cultural heritage.

“I am happy to witness the installation of a chief whose reign was abolished by the whites.

We pride with our chiefs just because they preserve our cultural heritage,” he said.

“Our government is pushing for all areas which had chieftainship disturbances due to the white rule to be investigated and then reinstated when due processes have been completed.”

The event was graced by Chiefs from Gutu, Serima, Mabika, Bere, Shindi, Chivi, Nemauzhe among others.

Chiefs from Chiredzi Districts which encompass Tshovani, Gudo and Sengwe snubbed the event in solidarity with Chief Tshovani’s fight against the resuscitation of the Neromwe Chieftainship.