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Raymond Jaravaza, [email protected]

THE dispute over the rightful heir to the Mabhikwa chieftainship has escalated, with divisions within the Khumalo family deepening.

A faction of the family has rejected the appointment of Ms Zanele Khumalo (35) as regent chief, citing cultural traditions that allegedly exclude women from assuming such roles.

The chieftainship became vacant following the death of Chief Mabhikwa (Vusumuzi Khumalo) in a tragic road accident on May 22, 2022. Initially, his uncle, John Khumalo, was appointed acting chief. However, earlier this year, Zanele was named regent chief by the Government to serve for nine years until Vusumuzi’s son, Wayne Makhosemvelo Khumalo, reached adulthood and assumed the position of substantive chief.

A section of the Khumalo family has challenged Zanele’s appointment in the High Court. Family spokesperson Mr Donald Khumalo, argued that their culture does not allow women to become chiefs, during a press briefing yesterday.

Mabhikwa family spokesperson Mr Donald Khumalo addresses journalists from different media houses during a press conference in Bulawayo yesterday

He claimed that the appointment of a female is unprecedented in their clan, arguing that only men are recognised as chiefs in their culture.

Mr Khumalo said Zanele’s appointment undermines their traditions and accused a committee led by Chief Nkalakatha of imposing her against the family’s wishes.

“There is no place for a female chief in our culture, it’s unheard of. This is the first time we are hearing of a female chief in the Khumalo clan and to us, it’s an indication that our culture is slowly being eroded,” he said.

Mr Khumalo also claimed that Zanele’s marital status disqualifies her from leadership by virtue of being married into another family and raising her own children.

“Even our daughters, like our princess here MaKhumalo (Sibonokuhle) sitting next to me, understand that their culture doesn’t allow them to take up the role of a chief in the Khumalo clan,” he said.
“When we meet as the Khumalo men to discuss important issues women know and understand that it’s not in their place to sit in those meetings.”

Despite opposition from some family members, Zanele was publicly installed as regent chief on March 14 at a ceremony attended by hundreds in Jotsholo.

Speaking at the unveiling event in Jotsholo, Matabeleland North Provincial Council of Chiefs chairperson, Chief Siansali, explained that Zanele’s appointment aligns with Nguni customs. He clarified that while Wayne Makhosemvelo is the substantive chief, his minority necessitated appointing a regent.

“As you take up this role, understand that this is not an easy role. As a chief, you have to know that you no longer have the luxury of making jokes. Whatever statement you make will be taken seriously and people may ignore whatever issue of substance you say and focus on the perceived joke,” said Chief Siansali.

Zanele is no stranger to the community, having grown up in Jotsholo before pursuing studies and employment in South Africa. She acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed confidence in fulfilling her duties.

Zanele’s appointment marks a major milestone for gender representation in traditional leadership. She joins two other female chiefs in Matabeleland. In 2020, Ms Silibaziso Mlotshwa, the daughter of the late Chief

Mvuthu of Matabeleland North Province, was appointed a chief.
In Filabusi, Chief Ndube – born Nonhlanhla Sibanda, was appointed chief in 2007 when she was aged 22 years.