MILLICENT HUNGWE
In Zimbabwe’s culture, November is considered a sacred month and is revered by many across the faith divides, where family gatherings and traditional meetings are discouraged or a family gets fined on violation of the order.
Masvingo Province Zinatha Chairman, Prosper Dohwai, explained that this month honors the passing ……..of esteemed ancestors, known as mhondoro.
“To show respect, chiefs close their meeting places, ‘dare’, allowing time for reflection and remembrance of their ancestors and influential figures like the late Mbuya Nehanda, Mkwati, and Sekuru Kaguvi,” he said.
Interestingly, the late revered MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai was once ordered to appear before Chief Negomo’s court in Mashonaland Central Province after he married his then sweetheart Locadia Tembo Karimatsenga who was close the late Prime Minister’s mother, in the sacred month of November.
He was directed to pay a fine which included two cows, two sheep, and 10 meters of cotton cloth.
His in-laws, the Karumatsengas were also made to pay two cattle, two sheep, and a goat.
Masvingo Province’s outspoken Chief Murinye told The Midweek Watch that the significance of November varies by area and belief.
“We used to hold functions and incantation ceremonies during this month, the rumors became reality when Tsvangirai paid the fine,” said the controversial Chief.
Tobias Dunira offered an alternative perspective: “Our ancestors created these myths to safeguard us, without any malicious intent. November was actually a critical farming period, and by restricting gatherings, our ancestors ensured bountiful harvests, this explains why they consistently enjoyed bumper crops, unlike today. They wanted people to concentrate on farming without any distractions so that they harvest more for their families, otherwise there is nothing scientific or spiritual about the month of November,” he said.
However, Reverend Josephat Zambuko of the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe countered that November holds no significance in Christianity.
Dohwai’s views highlighted the protective nature of traditional practices, such as prohibiting children from sitting in the middle road to prevent accidents, this month of resting ancestors serves as a poignant reminder of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage and the importance of honoring ancestors.
