Masvingo Correspondent
Chief Fortune Charumbira and two other senior traditional leaders face losing their seats in the Senate after Masvingo chiefs voted overwhelmingly to recall them from the National Council of Chiefs.
Forty-two of the 45 chiefs who attended a provincial assembly meeting in Masvingo on Monday voted in favour of a motion seeking the removal of Charumbira, Chief Chitanga of Mwenezi, born Feleni Chauke, and Chief Nhema of Zaka, born Rangarirai Bwawanda.
The reasons for the proposed recalls were not immediately given, although the development has raised speculation over growing political tensions within the traditional leaders’ body.
Chief Chitanga confirmed the vote, saying: “Yes, we have been booted out. Forty-two out of 45 chiefs voted in favour of the motion.”
The meeting was attended by Masvingo Provincial Affairs Minister Ezra Chadzamira and Zanu PF provincial chairman Rabson Mavenyengwa, further fuelling speculation that the move could have political implications.
Chief Charumbira, who previously served as president of the National Council of Chiefs, is currently the council’s deputy president.. He is also a member of the Senate.
Under Zimbabwe’s constitutional arrangements, chiefs elected to the National Council of Chiefs can subsequently be elected to the Senate. The chamber has seats reserved for traditional leaders, including representatives elected by provincial assemblies.
The Masvingo vote therefore puts the Senate positions held by Charumbira, Chitanga and Nhema at risk if the recall process is formally completed.
The development comes amid heightened political tensions surrounding constitutional changes and the succession debate within Zanu PF. There are suggestions that the recall is linked to the ruling party’s succession politics.
