Zim GBC News | Mat South Correspondent
BEITBRIDGE – Government efforts to revive the historic Khwalu Chieftaincy in Beitbridge have hit a significant snag, with two rival family factions putting forward different nominees for the position, Zim GBC News can reveal.
The process, which would see a third chief installed in the district, is now deadlocked. Currently, Beitbridge is overseen by Chief Tshithaudze in the west and Chief Matibe in the east, who together supervise 10 headmen and nearly 500 village heads.
The plan to resuscitate the Khwalu Chieftaincy was initiated by former Beitbridge RDC councillor, Amon Ndou. The new chief was slated to administer wards 8, 9, 10, and 11, which currently fall under Chief Tshitaudze’s jurisdiction.
However, the smooth progression of the appointment has been disrupted by the emergence of a competing faction led by Kenos Ndou.
In an address to stakeholders during a recent Beitbridge RDC full council meeting, the District Development Coordinator (DDC), Mrs. Sikhangezile Mafu, confirmed the impasse.
“We have started the process of resuscitating the Khwalu chieftaincy,” stated Mrs. Mafu.
“However, the process was going on well and we had started with the paperwork to appoint one Amon Ndou as the new chief and along the way, some members of the family have raised an objection.”
“They have brought up the name of one Kenos Ndou of the Tshivule family,” she continued.
“So we have referred the issue to the provincial chiefs’ council for intervention.”
The Khwalu Chieftaincy was abolished in the early 1950s during the colonial era following conflicts between the then Chief Chibhude Khwalu and the colonial administration. Its revival is seen as a pivotal move to recognise and preserve the cultural heritage of the Khwalu people and is aligned with the Government’s broader strategy to empower traditional leaders and foster community development.
With the matter now before the provincial Chiefs Council, the community awaits a resolution to the dispute that will determine the future of this historic chieftaincy.
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