FAITH NDOU
BIKITA-John Chadya has been appointed substantive Chief Ziki in Bikita District, Masvingo Province, ending a leadership vacuum that has existed for more than a decade.
The appointment was communicated in a letter dated June 2 2026, signed by Bikita District Development Coordinator, Bernad Hadzirabwi.
In the letter, Hadzirabwi informed Chadya that President Emmerson Mnangagwa had approved his appointment in terms of the Traditional Leaders Act.
“Please be advised that His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe has in terms of Section 3(1) of the Traditional Leaders Act (Chapter 29:17) appointed you as Substantive Chief Ziki in Bikita District, Masvingo Province, with immediate effect from 21 May 2026,” reads part of the letter.
The Ziki chieftainship has remained vacant since the death of the last substantive chief, June Mutema in 2012.
Chadya’s appointment follows a succession process conducted by the Ziki clan last year. During a series of meetings involving representatives from the Maruvire and Mutinini houses which traditionally rotate the chieftainship, Chadya emerged as the chosen successor.
He comes from the Mutinini family, one of the two houses entitled to provide candidates for the Ziki chieftainship under the clan’s customary succession arrangements.
