13th Chief Muusha installed

 

Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter

THE Muusha clan of Chimanimani District has a remarkable tradition of installing its leaders in a harmonious manner.

Unlike the pomp and ceremony that accompanied the crowning of King Charles of England, the Muusha clan prefers a simple ritual that respects their ancestral heritage.

The clan traces its roots to Mbire in Mashonaland Central.

Their great ancestor, Neushoma, together with various spirit mediums led the clan to Chimanimani, where they settled in Nyamazha Mountain. Spirit mediums helped create boundaries for the area.

They were the first inhabitants of that area.

 

During their journey from Mbire, they avoided violence by all means, hence their peaceful nature up to this day.

This was revealed last week by the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Nokhuthula Matsikenyere, who also hails from the same area.

She was speaking during the installation of Chief Muusha.

 

The Muusha people are of the ngombe (cow) Moyo-Chirandu totem.

Since they settled in Chimanimani, Neushoma, Chirongera, Maosa, Chipusha, Gwama, Mupakata, Chanhuwa, Maosa 2, Tamanewenyu, Benjamin Samuusha, Kariya Muusha and Willie Muusha have been substantive chiefs for the Muusha Clan.

However, Chief Muusha’s area had been under the reign of an acting chief for 10 years.

 

Mr Timothy Munorowazve Muusha was installed as the substantive chief during a colourful ceremony last week on Thursday.

On the day, elderly men and women sang songs of jubilation while accompanying the chief to the podium where he sat on a chair awaiting his installation. Seated on both his sides were his sisters and brothers.

With Chief Muusha sitting on the royal throne, elderly women surrounded him, ululating and singing traditional tunes and dancing to the music that was being played by the deejay.

The event saw people from all walks of life converging to witness one of their own’s ascendency to power.

 

This particular event was definitely not a “strictly by invite” ceremony.

Attending this royal event was open to all, from community members to the senior Government officials.

Local Government and Public Works Minister, Dr July Moyo who was represented by his deputy, Honourable Marian Chombo, described Chief Muusha as a new in-law to the Muusha people.

Minister Moyo said under the able leadership of President Mnangagwa, traditional leaders are valued and respected as partners in development.

“Traditional leaders have a clear and focused goal of improving people’s lives. You should provide guidance, direction and motivation to your subjects so that you work towards the same goal.

“You have a key role in understanding and fulfilling the wants and needs of your people. You should have the ability to listen to them and hear their concerns and aspirations.

“It is therefore crucial for traditional leaders to continue working hand in hand with Government to collectively empower and bring development to our people,” he said.

Minister Moyo went on to praise Chief Muusha for his exemplary leadership and contribution to the development of his community.

“Traditional leaders are the pillars of our nation, and they play a vital role in promoting our culture, facilitating development and resolving disputes in their respective communities.

“Chief Muusha has been a shining example of a leader who cares for his people and initiates various development projects to improve their livelihoods.

“He has also been a champion of ending child marriages and preserving our intangible cultural heritage. I commend him for his efforts and urge him to continue doing that,” said Minister Moyo.

The newly installed chief received a red and purple gown, a white helmet, a half moon necklace, breastplate, name tag and a specialised rode of authority before he was installed to his new position.

He also received copies of the Traditional Leaders’ Act and the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

 

 

 

 

Addressing the gathering, Minister Matsikenyere said the institution of traditional leadership is regulated and monitored within the parameters of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, and therefore Chief Muusha should always use that as his guideline.

“As Chief Muusha, you should uphold the values and principles of our Constitution, which include democracy, good governance, human rights, gender equality, national unity and social justice.

“You should also work closely with Government and other stakeholders to implement National Development Strategy (NDS1) and Vision 2030,” she said.

Chiefs Council of Zimbabwe’s Manicaland provincial chairperson, Senator Chief Makumbe urged Chief Muusha to be humble and work peacefully with his people.

“Chief Muusha, may you help lead the Muusha people with wisdom and knowledge. This is your birthright and it is your duty to unite the people of Muusha and enable peace to reign,” said Chief Makumbe.

Said Headman Muusha as he congratulated the Muusha clan:
“Traditional leadership is based on inheriting power from a predecessor and I am glad that the Muusha people have followed the due process and selected the rightful successor.

“I hope this will bring peace and harmony to this community. This day is very important to the Muusha family as it shows that as Zimbabweans, we still value our heritage, traditions and customs,” said Headman Muusha.

Chief Muusha the 13th was born in 1935.

He was the second born son and has two sons and five daughters.

He did his primary school education at Biriiri Primary School, up to Standard Three.

He worked for National Tyre Service as a sales representative for 35 years.