Chief Chikwanda officially installed

By Antony Chawagarira
MASVINGO — Silas Chikwanda was officially installed as the substantive Chief Chikwanda at a ceremony that combined customary rites with messages of national unity and development.
The installation, conducted in accordance with local customs and the Traditional Leaders’ Act (Chapter 29:17), was attended by traditional leaders, provincial officials, and community members. President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s appointment marked the beginning of a new chapter for the chieftainship, with organisers describing the occasion as both a cultural milestone and a platform for accelerated rural development.
Speaking after his installation, Chief Chikwanda thanked his community and national leaders for the trust placed in him and set out priorities for his tenure.
“I am humbled to serve my people as Chief Chikwanda. My first duty is to unite our wards and rekindle respect for our customs so we can work together for development. We will prioritise improving access to clean water, supporting local schools and clinics, and promoting agricultural productivity so that families can earn a decent living,” he said.
Chief Chikwanda also framed his role within the wider national agenda of inclusive development.
“Traditional leadership is a bridge between government and our people. We will cooperate with government departments and development partners to ensure that programs reach every homestead. I pledge to support initiatives that empower our youth, protect our culture, and contribute to the prosperity of the nation,” he said.
Speakers at the event highlighted the enduring role of traditional leaders in local governance and social cohesion. Provincial representatives noted that chiefs are key partners in implementing government programs, helping to ensure that development benefits reach rural households—a principle that aligns with the national Devolution Agenda of “leaving no one and no place behind.”
Organisers expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa for the formal appointment and for his ongoing support of traditional leadership structures. They said the installation reinforces the importance of customary institutions in preserving Zimbabwe’s identity and mobilising communities for development.
Local development actors and community members welcomed Chief Chikwanda’s pledges, saying they looked forward to closer collaboration between the chieftainship, government agencies, and non-governmental partners to turn commitments into concrete projects.
Community leaders said they expect a renewed emphasis on unity, service delivery, and programs that will uplift livelihoods across the chieftainship.