HARARE – In a seamless transition of leadership, Chief Mtshane Khumalo of Matabeleland North has been elected as the new president of the Zimbabwe Chiefs’ Council, succeeding outgoing leader Chief Fortune Charumbira.
Chief Charumbira, who has helmed the council for multiple years, has opted to assume the role of deputy president.
The elections, held on Thursday and conducted by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), saw both chiefs elected unopposed. Chief Khumalo had previously served as the deputy president of the council.
James Chidamba, the presiding officer for ZEC, commended the smooth conduct of the elections, underscoring their adherence to legal protocols: “We were well prepared as ZEC.”
“The elections for the president and deputy president of the Chiefs council went on very well and according to the law. It was transparent, smooth and we are grateful that there were no glitches at all because we came well prepared.”
Chief Mtshane Khumalo grateful
In his acceptance speech, Chief Khumalo expressed gratitude for the trust placed in his leadership: “If you notice the same presidium for 2018 was retained unopposed.”
“For me, it is a sign of confidence in our leadership from our colleagues. We shall continue working as a team. It is easier to have continuity of doing things than starting afresh. So, I can say this election result is a head start.”
Chief Khumalo outlined his immediate priorities, emphasizing the alignment of the Traditional Leaders Act with the constitution: “This Act should have been aligned about 10 years ago, but this has not taken place. We shall push this through our line ministry so that it is aligned and conforms to the constitution.”
In addition to their leadership roles, both Chief Khumalo and Chief Charumbira will automatically become members of the Senate, furthering their influence and engagement in Zimbabwe’s governance.
The peaceful transition and Chief Khumalo’s commitment to constitutional alignment signal a continuation of collaborative leadership within the chiefs’ council.
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