Rutendo Chirume
MASVINGO-President Mnangagwa has appointed Robson Francis Matonhodze as substantive Chief Mazvimba in Bikita District in terms of the Traditional Leaders Act.
Fungai Manjiva who was acting Chief Nemamwa from Masvingo District was also appointed the substantive chief pending official installation on a date to be advised.
Fungai’s father, Tranos Manjiva who became chief for a brief period before the appointment was rescinded by the High Court on March 5, 2025 died on March 14 and he started acting in that capacity until the latest developments.
Jimmy Tavasvika Matambo, approached the High Court challenging the then appointment of Tranos as Chief Nemamwa and won the case, unfortunately the latter died a few days after the court victory.
The appointments, which take effect from July 23, 2026, were communicated in a letter in possession of The Midweek Watch from the Office of the Secretary for Local Government and Public Works addressed to the President of the National Council of Chiefs.
“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 Robson Francis Matonhodze and Fungai Manjiva as Substantive Chiefs Mazvimba and Nemwana in Bikita and Masvingo Districts, Masvingo Province, with effect from 23 July 2026,” reads part of the letter.
The letter, dated July 27, 2026, was signed by Acting Chief Director for Traditional Leadership Support Services Fungai Mbetsa on behalf of the Secretary for Local Government and Public Works.
Mbetsa said Mazvimba chieftainship is being resuscitated after being abolished by the colonial regime a long time ago.
