Antony Chawagarira
GUTU — After more than three decades of serving as an acting traditional leader, prominent lawyer and academic Dr Vengai Guni will on Friday formally assume the mantle of Headman Guni in Gutu South Constituency.
The installation marks a significant transition for Dr Guni, who has built a professional career in the legal fraternity while simultaneously serving his community in a traditional leadership capacity.
He has been acting as Headman Guni since 1994 following the death of his father, Machuwe Muvunde.
His appointment as substantive headman has now been approved by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works in terms of the Traditional Leaders Act.
The installation ceremony will be held at Guni Secondary School under Chief Makore, with traditional leaders, Government officials and villagers expected to attend.
Chief Makore and Ministry officials will preside over the proceedings, which will include traditional rituals and the handing over of symbols of office.
According to the University of Zimbabwe archives, Dr Guni is a legal practitioner, advocate, conveyancer, notary public, and academic based in Harare. He runs Guni and Guni Legal Practitioners in Belgravia and was also an advocate in Lesotho and a barrister-at-law.
His academic and professional qualifications include a BA in Law, an LLM, and a DPhil from the University of Buckingham, a Certificate in English from the University of London, as well as Barrister-at-Law and Advocate of Lesotho qualifications.
Despite his legal career in the capital, Dr Guni has maintained ties with his rural community, where he has served in an acting capacity for 32 years.
His formal installation is therefore expected to bring continuity to the Guni traditional leadership while strengthening the community’s engagement with Government and development institutions.
Residents have welcomed the development, saying they expect his substantive appointment to accelerate development in the area.
“We are very happy with this development, which will assist us in terms of development. We call upon the new leader to guide us and champion meaningful developments in our area,” said community member Aaron Moyo.
Dr Guni is expected to work with Gutu Rural District Council, Government departments and traditional structures in tackling challenges around water and sanitation, roads, agriculture, social services and infrastructure development.
The installation comes as traditional leaders continue to play a key role in mobilising rural communities, resolving local issues and supporting Government development programmes.
