SYDNEY MUBAIWA
MBERENGWA-Chief Mataga born Malaini Nkomo has died.

He was 85.
Mberengwa District Development Coordinator Vafios Hlabati confirmed the untimely departure of the traditional leader in an interview with The Midweek Watch.
“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing on of Chief Mataga who breathed his last at Musume Hospital outpatient while nurses were attending to him,” he said.
Nkomo was installed as Chief Mataga on November 2007 and saved as the Chief for 18 years.
Hlabati hailed the late Chief as a father figure who spearheaded numerous developmental projects in his community.
He said among key contributions were a 209 hectare Chamakondo Irrigation Scheme which is set to be one of the biggest in the Midlands Province.
He also said the traditional leader will be remembered for his contributions to the establishment of the Mini Mataga Hospital which is now awaiting commissioning.
Nkomo will be buried today at his homestead in Mberengwa and the Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube will preside over the event.
He is survived by eight children and sixteen grandchildren.