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Mashudu Netsianda Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE Council of Chiefs president Fortune Charumbira has described the late Chief Masuku, who was buried yesterday, as a cultural icon. Chief Masuku, 81, died on May 25 due to cardiac arrest. He was buried at his rural home in Nzula, Nathisa in Matobo district. In his graveside eulogy, Chief Charumbira said the late Masuku was one of their great advisers in terms of cultural and traditional issues.

“I’ve known Chief Masuku for many years and he was a great advisor to our institution as traditional leaders because of his wealth of experience when it comes to cultural matters such as ritual ceremonies particularly the Njelele rainmaking ceremonies. We would seek his opinion on issues related to traditional practices,” he said.

Chief Charumbira urged the family of the late chief to remain united and avoid succession squabbles. Chief Masuku’s reign began in 1992 following the death of his father Gareth Nzula in 1988. He is survived by wife Jester and seven children.

Among those who attended the burial were War Veterans Minister Tshinga Dube, Matobo North MP Never Khanye, former Matabeleland South Governor Angeline Masuku, Zapu president Dumiso Dabengwa, chiefs from Matabeleland South and several senior government officials.