Hwange Celebrates Installation of Chief Mvuthu After 10 Years

The Mvuthu community in Hwange District, Matabeleland North, celebrated an important and joyful moment the installation of Ms Silibaziso Mlotshwa as the new Chief Mvuthu.

This comes after ten years without a substantive chief. Ms Silibaziso Mlotshwa was officially appointed by President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.

The ceremony was led by Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. A. Mavunga, who stood in for Minister Hon. Daniel Garwe.

“This was not only a proud day for the district and province but also a step forward in recognising women as leaders in traditional roles,” Hon. Mavunga said.

He explained that chiefs are more than cultural figures; they help keep communities united, protect traditions, and lead development.

Chief Mvuthu was born on 5 December 1994 in Hwange. She went to St. Ignatius Primary School and Hwange High School. She later worked as a community teacher at Mizpah Primary and at the Jafuta Foundation. She is married and has one child. People know her as a leader who cares deeply about her community and supports the idea that a country should be built by its own people.

The Mvuthu Chieftainship covers 14 primary schools, 5 secondary schools, 4 clinics, 6 business centres, and 8 nutrition gardens that support women’s empowerment.

“Recent developments in the area include the renovations of Ndlovu Secondary School after storm damage, building Leona Clinic, opening a safe house for victims of gender-based violence, and protecting a wetland to save water sources,” Hon. Mavunga said.

There have also been efforts to improve e-learning in partnership with POTRAZ.

“As the new chief, you must help fight problems like drug and substance abuse, which cause school dropouts, early marriages, and teenage pregnancies,” Hon Mavunga added.

He also urged her to speak out against child marriages and to promote education and gender equality.

The Deputy Minister called on the Mvuthu family to support their new leader and encouraged Chief Mvuthu to lead with honesty, fairness, and transparency.

“By working together, government, chiefs, and communities can achieve Vision 2030 and build a better Zimbabwe,” Hon. Mavunga concluded.