By Loice Takarindwa (Masvingo)
Allegations are mounting against the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, for allegedly transforming provincial administrative channels into kangaroo courts to manipulate traditional succession lines.
At the core of the controversy are accusations of institutional infiltration, line-jumping, and the fabrication of genealogies. By bypassing customary law and constitutional mandates, these irregular appointments have sparked bitter public court battles, eroding the dignity of the chieftainship and sowing deep division among clan families.
Key Contested Appointments Under Chadzamira’s Directive
The grievances against the process highlight a recurring pattern of constitutional and customary violations across several chieftainships:
- Chief Nemamwa (Fungai Manjiva): Appointed in July 2026, Manjiva’s elevation allegedly bypassed all constitutional procedures and customary norms. No clan selection meeting was conducted, nor was his name vetted by the Provincial Assembly or the National Council of Chiefs. Manjiva’s father had previously had his own chieftainship nullified by the High Court following legal challenges from two clan houses, meaning he did not hold the title at his passing. Furthermore, the newly appointed Chief Nemamwa has been accused of serving political interests, including moving motions to dethrone established leaders such as Chief Nhema, Chief Chitanga, and Chief Charumbira during an unsanctioned meeting called by Minister of State and Devolution for Masvingo Ezra Chadzamira.
- Chief Zimuto (Gilson Makusha): Following two formal selection meetings, the Zimuto clan unanimously chose Chigaba Kambanje as their sole candidate. This nomination was vetted and approved by both the Masvingo Provincial Assembly of Chiefs and the National Council of Chiefs, before being forwarded to the Ministry of Local Government for presidential appointment. However, the name submitted to the President was substituted with Gilson Makusha—an individual who was neither selected by the clan nor recommended by the traditional assemblies—resulting in an appointment installed on April 27, 2026, in clear violation of the Constitution.
- Chief Chikwanda (Silas Chikwanda): Installed without a clan selection meeting, the appointment of Silas Chikwanda—a personal aide to Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe—bypassed both the Provincial Assembly and the National Council of Chiefs, sparking intense resistance within his immediate family house and the broader clan.
Reports indicate that similar irregularities, presided over by provincial administrative authorities, have affected several other traditional seats across Masvingo:
- Chief Marozva
- Chief Maranda
- Chief Ziki
- Chief Nyajena
Abuse of Authority and Customary Erosion
Tendekai Mangwiro a Local analysts and residents point out that the legitimacy of any traditional leader relies strictly on customary lineage and the authentic consensus of the clan. By replacing these traditions with administrative dictate, the integrity of the institution is undermined.
“As a Minister of State, Chadzamira is expected to respect and protect the institution of traditional leaders. Instead, he continues to engage in institutional infiltration, exhibiting behavior fundamentally incompatible with the moral standards expected of a Minister.”
— Tendekai Mangwiro, Masvingo Resident
”When political expediency overrides constitutional processes and ancestral succession rules, the resulting appointments degrade public trust. Restoring dignity to Masvingo’s traditional leadership will require an immediate return to lawful vetting, adherence to judicial rulings, and full respect for the customary rights of the clans.”
