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Conrad Mupesa Mashonaland West Bureau 

CHILDREN from polygamous families should unite and work together for the betterment of the nation towards achieving Vision 2030, Makonde legislator and Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister, Cde Kindness Paradza has said.

He was speaking in Makonde during the burial of the late Headman Machiridza born Tobias Butawa Ndira on Tuesday.

Headman Machiridza who died at the age of 79, was under Chief Nemakonde.

The family is supposed to replace the late traditional leader for the successful implementation of Government programmes that headmen, village heads and chiefs play.

Said Deputy Minister Paradza: “The family is expected to conduct the succession process peacefully and it is our fervent hope that the Machiridza family is going to do this without any challenges. Polygamy is part of our tradition and it has survived for centuries hence we can’t have siblings sired from these types of marriages fight each other.

“Children shouldn’t be fighting on their mothers’ corners but rather, have love for each other.”

There were fears that succession of the late headman was going to be marred with inhouse fighting.

The late Headman Machiridza sired 21 children from various wives.

Turning to his political participation, Deputy Minister Paradza, described the late headman as a straightforward party cadre who helped support for Zanu pf and its candidates in the area.

Headman Machiridza was instrumental in the backing of Cde Paradza when he was elected Member of Parliament for Makonde constituency.

“He approached me in 1995 when I was still a journalist, calling me to be the legislator for this area. When the late Dr Swithan Mombeshora died, I registered my interests and won the seat under Zanu pf ticket,” he added.

In her speech read on his behalf by Makonde district development coordinator, Mr Benjamin Zivanai, Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mary Mliswa-Chikoka warned people against invading Goredema Farm which was allocated to the late headman calling infringed families to approach her offices for assistance.

“We expect the Machiridza family to have replaced their deceased father within two years.

“An acting headman is however expected to be installed so that the position doesn’t go vacant for long,” she said.

Headman Machiridza was born on July, 13 1943 in Makonde and became headman in 1976 after the death of his father Petros Ndira in 1974.

He once worked in Gweru as a chef before relocating back to Makonde where he became a farmer.

He was a beneficiary of the land reform programme.

Deputy Minister Paradza also reaffirmed President Mnangagwa’s position on improving the lives of communal farmers including availing Pfumvudza Inputs for free on time this season and ensuring payment of cotton delivered in both local and foreign currency.