Ms Mlotshwa takes over from her late father, Mr Nyangayezizwe Mlotshwa, the last substantive Chief Mvuthu, who passed away in March 2014 at the age of 61.Silibaziso Mlotshwa has been installed as the substantive Chief Mvuthu of Hwange District in Matabeleland North Province, a clear testament to the government’s commitment to gender equality.
Her appointment, effective May 16 this year, was made by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, ending a long-standing leadership vacuum in the Mvuthu chieftaincy.
Installed this Friday, Ms Mlotshwa takes over from her late father, Mr Nyangayezizwe Mlotshwa, the last substantive Chief Mvuthu, who passed away in March 2014 at the age of 61.
During the inauguration ceremony, the government reaffirmed its commitment to gender parity and inclusive leadership.
“President Emmerson Mnangagwa is deliberate and intentional when it comes to the empowerment of young people and the empowerment of women. Today, we witness that empowerment in action. The President values local development and leadership, and Chief Mvuthu’s inauguration is a perfect demonstration of that,” the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Albert Mavunga said.
Traditional leaders and the Zimbabwe Gender Commission echoed similar sentiments, noting that the appointment aligns with Zimbabwe’s constitutional values.
“The installation of Chief Mvuthu is in line with our Constitution, which guarantees equal opportunities for both men and women. We urge the community to support her leadership for the development of this area,” president of National Chiefs’ Council, Senator, Chief Mtshane Nkumalo noted.
“We are happy, as the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, to witness this inauguration. It is a fulfillment of our Constitution, which promotes gender equality. We look forward to seeing more female chiefs appointed in the future,” Zimbabwe Gender Commission’s Chairperson, Sangarwe, Commissioner Margaret Mukahanana added.
“I would like to give credit to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for supporting me. We have been battling for 11 years until May this year, when I was officially appointed. I am here to serve my people and contribute meaningfully to the development of this area,” Chief Mvuthu said.
Headman Bishop Matata Sibanda had served as Acting Chief since 2014, when Chief Mvuthu died.
Chief Mvuthu becomes the seventh female chief in Zimbabwe and the first substantive female chief in Matabeleland North Province.
