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Bongani Ndlovu in Bulilima
IT’S a new dawn for villagers in the Manguba area, Bulilima area, Matabeleland South province after their headman, Manguba was upgraded to a Chief and installed, bringing to an end 111 years of no representation.
Mr Morning Moyo (50) was installed Chief Manguba, restoring the chieftaincy which was taken away in 1911 by the colonial regime.

Bulilima is a vast district with 22 wards and has five chiefs assisted by 16 headmen.

Manguba used to fall under Chief Gampu but administratively Chief Gampu reports to Tsholotsho district in Matabeleland North province.

The area under the jurisdiction of Chief Manguba is Gala (Ward 6), Huwana (Ward 8) and part of Ward 5  covering Bhilingoma and Matjinge villages.

The area has six primary schools which are Huwana, Ndutshwa, Ntoli, Gala, Kungubo, Sinotsi, Gampu and Manguba. The ward is serviced by Maqhekeni, Phakama and Zenzele secondary schools.

It has Huwana and Gambo clinics which both refer patients to Lady Stanley Rural Hospital.

The installation ceremony for Chief Manguba was held at Phakama High School and Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo presided.

Ministers Mangaliso Ndlovu (Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry), Dr Evelyn Ndlovu (Primary and Secondary Education), president of the Chiefs Council Chief Fortune Charumbira, Deputy Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Courier Services Dingumuzi Phuti, Chief Mshana Khumalo, Chief Mpini, Chief Masendu, Chief Masuku and Zanu-PF Politburo member Cde Richard Ndlovu also attended the ceremony.

Scores of villagers, some of whom travelled from areas as far as Tsholotsho braved the scorching sun to witness the historic restoration of the Manguba chieftaincy.

After assisting Chief Manguba to put on his regalia, Minister Moyo then handed him a copy of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the Traditional Leaders Act.

Thereafter it was song and dance as the villagers celebrated the installation of their Chief.

The new Chief was later introduced to his headmen and village heads.

Ms Margaret Tshuma (63) a local villager from Msinjwana, said it was a great honour for her to witness the historic installation ceremony.

“I’m so happy today because for a long time, we had no Chief and for us, it is a dream come true. When we heard that there is a ceremony we didn’t think twice about attending,” she said.

Ms Tshuma described Chief Manguba as a man who relates well with his people.

“Chief Manguba is a man of the people who is soft-spoken and kind-hearted and we worked with him well as a headman before this installation. When you tell him your problems he does his best to assist.

“We are grateful that he is now the Chief,” she said.

Miss Mgcini Moyo (19) from Manguba area said the ceremony is testimony that the Government under the Second Republic is committed to leaving no one and no place behind in terms of development.

Another villager, Mr Delight Moyo described Chief Manguba as a friendly and understanding leader.

“Although I am young, it is very important for us as a people to have our own Chief. This will help us preserve our cultural heritage. Chief Manguba is a great person who is approachable,” he said.

Ms Anna Madumani who travelled all the way from Tsholotsho to witness the ceremony said: “I’m enjoying every bit of the ceremony, it’s our culture our heritage.

“I heard about the installation of Chief Manguba and I told myself that I won’t miss it, which is why I came all the way from Tsholotsho to witness this event.”

Chief Manguba thanked President Mnangagwa for restoring their chieftainship.

“This has been work in progress since 2013. In 2015, the negotiations continued with Chief Gampu pointing out that we, as a people, have to be represented at provincial level. I want to thank headman Muyemwa and his party for accepting to be under me,” he said.

“Most importantly, I would like to thank the Second Republic under the astute leadership of His Excellency President ED Mnangagwa for listening to our plea.”

Chief Manguba is married to Mrs Ntombi Moyo and the couple has four children.

The Manguba people are of the BaKalanga tribe. His great grandfather, Ningwale had three sons and these were Jonas, Madabani and Bulayu.

Jonas became the first headman and when he passed on in 1962, Jeremiah Luhulo, his son, succeeded as caretaker.
Jeremiah was appointed headman in 1965 after it was realised that the rightful heir to the throne who was the eldest surviving son of the last incumbent, Thomas Mtsamayi was in Johannesburg.

After the death of Thomas in 1989, Mavukuvuku Moses assumed the headmanship and was installed in 1994.
Mavukuvuku was then succeeded after his death in 2001 by Chief Manguba.