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Mthabisi Tshuma recently at Kandana, Bulilima

ON A SUNNY Saturday morning (September 7), multitudes of Bulilima villagers, traditional leadership from across Matabeleland South province and high ranking officials in Zimbabwe gathered to pay their last respects to Chief Kandana of Bulilima district.

His death brought together people from all walks of life regardless of political affiliation as each attendee wanted to give him a befitting send-off that any human being could wish for when fate knocks on the door.

The body of the late Chief Kandana lies in state at his homestead ahead of his burial at Kandana village in Bulilima district, Matabeleland South province last Saturday. (Picture by Mthabisi Tshuma)

Born Michael Magutshwa in 1950, Chief Kandana was installed as chief in 2007 taking over from his father Jackpot Magutshwa who was a headman by then. He passed away on August 31 leaving behind his wife Simeleni Dube, two girl children and three grandchildren.

With six chiefs in the district of Bulilima, the remaining five came to show their support to one of their own who breathed last on August 31. Chiefs; Masendu, Manguba, Madlambudzi, Mphini and the only female traditional leader in the district Chief Hikwa were part of hundreds that made their way to Kandana village last Saturday morning.

BULILIMA CHIEFS: (From left) Chief Madlambudzi, Chief Mphini, Chief Hikwa and Chief Manguba follows proceedings at the burial of Chief Kandana at Kandana village in Bulilima district, Matebeleland South province last Saturday. (Picture by Mthabisi Tshuma)

Chief Tshitaudze of Beitbridge district and Chief Ndube of India’s district also made their way from away from Bulilima district same as the National President of the Chiefs Council Chief Mtshane Khumalo.

Also in attendance was Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, Minister of Industry and Commerce Nqobizitha Ndlovu and Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Dingumuzi Phuti who also doubles as Bulilima Constituency legislator.

The ruling party Zanu PF was able represented from cell members to provincial and national leadership that comprises of the likes of Cde Mathias Siqhoza Ndlovu and Cde Ntombiyakhe Ndlovu respectively.

Speaker after speaker described the late traditional leader as an epitome of humility.

In his address Senator Chief Tshitaudze representing the Provincial Assembly said the death of Chief Kandana leaves a big void in the country’s traditional leadership.

“Standing here as young as l am some may wonder that l am really a chief. Yes we are young but we are also traditional leaders and l would attest that the likes of the late Chief Kandana have been a very pivotal figure to us as young chiefs.

“They have managed to mould us to where we are, they have shown us the right direction in carrying out the duties fit for a chief and l would say that today we have lost a big leader. Bulilima, Matabeleland South and Zimbabwe at large has been left with a big void,” said Chief Tshitaudze who assumed his role at the age of 18.

Bulilima MP Cde Phuti reiterated that Chief Kandana leaves a big void that will be hard to fill as he was a dedicated and decorated leader.

“Chief Kandana played a very pivotal role in the moulding of the political leaders in this district as each time he would be an advisor to us and the likes of Industry and Commerce Minister, my brother Ndlovu.

“We will forever miss his opinions that were development centred thus this is a day to celebrate him,” said Cde Phuti.

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