Masvingo Chiefs: Vote to Recall Chief Charumbira From Senate

• Traditional leaders in Masvingo voted to recall Chief Fortune Charumbira, Chief Chitanga, and Chief Nhema from the National Council of Chiefs.
• The recall motion, supported by 42 out of 45 chiefs, could result in the three losing their seats in the 90-member Senate.
• No official reasons were provided for the proposed removals, but the move is suspected to be linked to Zanu PF's succession politics and a purge of unsupportive officials.
• The political importance of chiefs' Senate seats has increased following Constitutional Amendment No. 3, which extended the President's term and altered presidential election procedures.
• Despite constitutional requirements for neutrality, traditional leaders in the Senate consistently vote with Zanu PF, highlighting their political vulnerability.

This development highlights the political vulnerability of traditional leaders in Zimbabwe and sets a crucial precedent for the independence and tenure of chiefs in legislative roles, especially concerning the impact of constitutional amendments.

A significant development unfolded in Masvingo recently as traditional leaders cast an overwhelming vote to remove Chief Fortune Charumbira, alongside two other prominent chiefs, from their positions within the National Council of Chiefs. This decisive action, which saw 42 out of 45 Masvingo chiefs endorse the recall motion, could lead to the trio losing their seats in the Senate, marking a potential Zimbabwe chiefs Senate exit. The other chiefs facing removal are Chief Chitanga, also known as Feleni Chauke, from Mwenezi, and Chief Nhema, whose real name is Rangarirai Bwawanda, representing Zaka.

The motion for their recall was initiated by Chief Nemanwa, identified as Fungai Manjiva, who was only appointed to his chieftaincy last month and holds jurisdiction over the Great Zimbabwe area. While no explicit reasons were publicly provided for this proposed removal, the meeting itself was notably attended by high-ranking political figures, including Masvingo provincial minister Ezra Chadzamira and Zanu PF provincial chairman Rabson Mavenyengwa. Their presence at the gathering has fueled speculation regarding the political underpinnings of the recall vote. Chief Chitanga himself confirmed the outcome, stating, "Yes, we have been booted out. Forty-two out of forty-five chiefs voted in favour of the motion."

The National Council of Chiefs serves as the statutory body representing traditional leaders across Zimbabwe. The path for chiefs to enter the Senate is clearly defined: they are initially elected by their peers at provincial assemblies to join this Council. Subsequently, members of the National Council of Chiefs become eligible for election to the Senate. The Zimbabwean Constitution mandates that 16 chiefs, specifically two from each of the country's eight non-metropolitan provinces, are elected to serve in the Senate.

Beyond these elected positions, the president and deputy president of the National Council of Chiefs automatically hold ex officio seats in the Senate. This constitutional arrangement guarantees traditional leaders a total of 18 seats within the 90-member legislative chamber. Chief Fortune Charumbira, who is currently the deputy president of the National Council of Chiefs, serving under Chief Lucas Mtshane Khumalo from Bubi in Matabeleland North, also holds a Senate seat. Consequently, the recent decision by the Masvingo provincial assembly directly impacts Chief Charumbira, Chief Chitanga, and Chief Nhema, who collectively represent the province in the Senate, placing their legislative tenure in jeopardy.

The unexpected Chief Charumbira Senate recall Masvingo, alongside his colleagues, appears deeply intertwined with the broader political landscape, particularly the succession dynamics within Zanu PF and the party's efforts to consolidate power. There are indications that Zanu PF has been actively purging officials perceived as unenthusiastic about constitutional amendments aimed at extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term. While it remains unconfirmed if the chiefs' removal is directly linked to their stance on these changes, Minister Chadzamira's recent remark at a Zanu PF meeting, warning that "there would be gnashing of teeth," suggests a punitive environment. This development highlights the political vulnerability of traditional leaders in Zimbabwe.

The political significance of this move is further amplified by the recent Constitutional Amendment No. 3. This amendment not only extended President Mnangagwa’s term until 2030 but also abolished the direct election of the president, replacing it with a joint vote by Members of Parliament and Senators. This change has substantially increased the political importance of the Senate, and by extension, the seats held by chiefs within that chamber. Despite a constitutional mandate for traditional leaders to remain politically neutral, their voting record in the Senate consistently aligns with Zanu PF lawmakers, underscoring the pervasive Zanu PF influence traditional leaders face. This situation sets a crucial precedent for the independence and tenure of chiefs in legislative roles, especially concerning the impact of constitutional amendments.

This development highlights the political vulnerability of traditional leaders in Zimbabwe and the potential for their removal from the National Council of Chiefs and Senate due to ruling party politics. Lawyers advising traditional leaders or involved in constitutional law should monitor these recalls for precedents regarding the independence and tenure of chiefs in legislative roles, especially concerning the impact of constitutional amendments.

Source: Original reporting via Masvingo Mirror