chief Manguba installed

The Minister of Local Government and Public Works Honourable July Moyo on 28 December 2022 presided over the installation of Chief Manguba in Bulilima in Matabeleland South bringing joy to villages in the area who witnessed the restoration of the traditional leadership after 111 years.

Minister of Local Government and Public Works Hon July Moyo installing Mr Morning Manguba and Chief Manguba

Mr Morning Manguba (50) was installed Chief after his headmanship was upgraded and assented to by His Excellency, President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa

The chieftainship was taken away in 1911 by the colonial regime.

Although the area is in Matabeleland South, it used to fall under Chief Gampu who is in Matabeleland North.

Speaking at the ceremony Hon Moyo said the restoration of the chieftainship was now permanent and no one apart from the President can reverse the decision.

He thanked the family and local leadership for working tirelessly to ensure that the chieftainship was restored.

The  Manguba people are of the Bakalanga tribe. Mr Manguba’s great grandfather Ningwake had three sons- Jonas, Madabani and Bulayu.

Chief Manguba and his wife Mrs Ntombi Moyo after the installation ceremony

Jonas became the first headman and when he passed on in 1962, Jeremiah Luhulo, his son succeeded him.

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, South Africa.

After the death of Thomas in 1989, Mavukuvuku Moses assumed headmanship and was installed in 1994. He died in 2001 and was succeeded by Chief Manguba.
Among dignitaries who witnessed the event were Ministers Hon Mangaliso Ndlovu ( Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu ( Primary and Secondary Education) and Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology and Courier Services Hon Dingimuzi Phuti.

National Chiefs Council President Chief Fortune Charumbira and his Deputy Chief Mtshane Khumalo led a cast of other traditional leaders who also graced the occasion.

Some of the dignitaries who witnessed the installation ceremony