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Vincent Gono in Nkayi
ZWELANI Ayanda Ndiweni (25) was installed as Chief Nkalakatha in Nkayi District.

Last Wednesday Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Cde July Moyo installed the new chief who succeeded his father Mr Gilford Ndiweni, a member of the National Council of Chiefs who passed on in 2014.

The new chief is a student at Midlands State University (MSU) where he is studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in Local Government.

His area of jurisdiction covers wards 20 and 21 with a population of more than 7 000 people.

The minister encouraged the chief to work hand in hand with the Government in all matters of development impacting not only on his community but the country as a whole.

“As an old age adage goes, ‘Alone you go fast, but together, we go far,’ it is only our coordinated efforts as a whole country that can really bring the positive change that we so desire for us and for those who shall come after us,” he said.

Minister Moyo said the institution of chiefs was the custodian of cultural values and urged the chiefs to continue the good work of protecting their communities’ moral values.

“Nguni/Ndebele is one of the officially recognised languages in Zimbabwe, and it is a vehicle that has transmitted the Ndebele culture and traditions from generation to generation and should continue as such for the benefit of posterity,” said Minister Moyo.

He pledged to pay the new chief’s two last semesters’ fees of $1 200 expressing gratitude that the new generation of chiefs was valuing education.

The installation was attended by traditional leaders mostly from Matabeleland North, Minister of State for Matabeleland North Ambassador Cain Mathema, director responsible for traditional chiefs in the Ministry of Local Government Mr Felix Chikovo, Matabeleland North Provincial Administrator Ms Latiso Dlamini, Nkayi district administrator Ms Matilda Mlotshwa and other senior civil servants as well as people from surrounding communities.