Political Intrusion by Traditional Leaders Imperils Rural Matabeleland's Welfare

Zimbabwe Peace Project reveals that traditional leaders are major perpetrators of human rights violations as they further political party agendas.

In rural Matabeleland, food scarcity intertwines with partisan politics as traditional leaders veer into political involvement, raising concerns about citizens' well-being.

BY LIZWE SEBATHA | @The_CBNews | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | AUG 18, 2023

MATABELELAND NORTH (The Citizen Bulletin) — Miriam Moyo (54), a resident of Maboleni resettlement area in Umguza constituency, stands as a testament to the struggle faced by villagers confronted with depleting food stocks.

Moyo's heart-wrenching narrative is shared by many who are forced to reduce meals due to resource constraints.

“Even if the children complain of hunger, there is nothing we can do about it,” says Moyo, as she navigates the harsh reality with her three grandchildren, trimming their meals to once a day.

Moyo's hardships are compounded by her perceived opposition links, denying her access to government-provided food aid.

“Beneficiaries are selected by the chief in consultation with the headman and village head. I was accused of being an opposition supporter.”
Miriam Moyo (54), shedding light on the political factors influencing food distribution

In Mbamba village, Nimrod Tshuma's survival rests on informal jobs, a patchwork of income to support his family of four. The increasing frequency of political assemblies, however, impedes his livelihood.

“Every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, we are called to meetings led by traditional leaders aligned with the ruling party,” Tshuma says.

Fearing exclusion from vital assistance programs, Tshuma and others attend these gatherings, solidifying their political allegiance.

“At these meetings, we are pressured to vote for Zanu PF.”

As Zimbabwe approaches August 23, traditional leadership is facing intensified scrutiny for involvement in partisan politics, contravening constitutional guidelines.

Chapter 15.2 of the Zimbabwean Constitution explicitly mandates that “traditional leaders must not be members of any political party or participate in partisan politics, act in a partisan manner, further the interests of any political party or cause, or violate the fundamental rights and freedoms of any person.”

The Citizen Bulletin's investigations, supported by reports from human rights watchdogs, have exposed instances of traditional leaders in Matabeleland becoming embroiled in Zanu PF-aligned partisan politics.

Matabeleland villagers believe their perceived opposition party links is denying them access to government-provided food aid. Image by The Guardian

A recent Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP) report further underscores this disconcerting pattern, revealing how chiefs are encroaching on the rights of citizens within rural communities.

“In Saba village, Ward 9 of Binga North, on August 6, Chief Saba, legally known as Charles Mudenda, instructed village heads under his jurisdiction to monitor and disrupt any activity linked to the main opposition, the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).”
ZPP report titled “Politicisation of Traditional Leadership”

The report reveals Chief Saba's warning that supporting CCC activities would attract punishment.

Similar occurrences were documented in Tsholotsho's Mncetshwa line Ward 5, where a village head advocated for voting in favor of the ruling party, linking political allegiance with food aid. Chief Mathuphula of the same jurisdiction echoed similar sentiments in Sipepa-Tsholotsho Ward 5.

These actions, in direct contravention of constitutional mandates, have raised alarm. Zanu PF's second secretary, Kembo Mohadi, has actively mobilised traditional leaders to support the party. Former Chiefs' Council president Fortune Charumbira, renowned for his vocal Zanu PF support, even proclaimed chiefs as proprietors of the ruling party at a Bindura conference.

Despite these infractions, accountability remains elusive. In 2020, Charumbira faced legal action for his partisan Zanu PF support, yet an apology was never issued.

Speaking anonymously due to fear of reprisals, a traditional leader revealed the undue pressures they face.

“They dictate how we should govern. We are intimidated, warned that our powers will be revoked, or allowances denied. We are directed in all matters. Instead of leading, we have become subservient.”
Chief reveals

Deposed traditional leader, Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni of Ntabazinduna, was removed from his position after challenging presidential authority. Chiefs council president Mtshana Khumalo declined to comment on the allegations of traditional leaders' involvement in partisan politics.

Analyst Effie Ncube says in order to uphold democracy and human rights, civic groups must vigilantly ensure the adherence to these Constitutional tenets, including preventing traditional leaders from engaging in partisan politics.

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“The electoral environment has seen a worsening of the conduct of traditional leaders, chiefs and headmen actively mobilising citizens to vote in rural areas potentially impacting the secrecy and integrity of the vote,” he says.

“Efforts must be made to ensure the role of Chiefs continues to be under-girded by the Constitution,” Ncube stresses, adding that “civic groups must continue with their watchdog role to ensure tenets of democracy and adherence to human rights are maintained and upheld.”

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