By Antony Chawagarira
BIKITA – The quest for a new Chief Ziki in Bikita has become a prolonged saga, as the Rusakaniko family awaits the Masvingo Provincial Chiefs Assembly’s endorsement of their unanimously selected candidate, John Chadya Rusakaniko.
The position of Chief Ziki has remained unfilled for over a decade, creating a leadership vacuum that community members are eager to have resolved.
The last chief, June Mutema, passed away ten years ago. Since then, the Ziki clan has actively attempted to maintain traditional governance.
According to sources, four selection meetings were held, with representatives from both houses—Maruvire and Mutinini—participating fully and affirming Chadya’s candidacy. He belongs to the Mutinini family, which is currently tasked with rotating the chieftainship responsibilities.
Chadya’s petition, sent to the Minister of Local Government and Public Works and other key officials, highlights ongoing bureaucratic delays. In his correspondence dated October 20, 2025, Chadya expressed frustration at the lack of acceptance of the selection outcomes, stating that all meetings held in the Chief Ziki area unanimously endorsed him.
Collen, Chadya’s son, conveyed that the Chiefs Assembly had raised concerns about the legitimacy of the meetings, claiming that the results were contested.
Chief Chitanga, chairman of the Masvingo Provincial Chiefs’ Assembly, confirmed to the Masvingo Star that while Chadya was elected twice, objections have left the final approval pending.
“If there are objections, we give them another chance. We are preparing for a final selection meeting once funding is secured from the ministry,” he explained.
The community is growing increasingly impatient. A letter from the Ziki clan to higher authorities strongly criticised the Chiefs’ Assembly for allegedly obstructing their choice.
“Our area has been without a substantive chief for over ten years now,” the letter read.
The petitioners stated that traditional procedures were followed and accused the Chiefs’ Assembly of unjustly hindering the appointment of their chosen heir.
In an area where traditional leadership is pivotal for governance and social cohesion, the implications of this vacancy are far-reaching. Residents lament that development initiatives have stagnated in the absence of a chief, with schools struggling without basic amenities like electricity.
The delay in appointing a leader is viewed as detrimental to both community morale and government finances, given the costs associated with repeated selection meetings.
Chief Ziki’s role is imbued with cultural significance, deeply tied to the identity and heritage of the people of Bikita. Traditionally, chiefs serve not only as leaders but also as custodians of cultural practices and community values.
The absence of a chief disrupts the generational link to history and wisdom that comes with traditional authority, affecting community gatherings, dispute resolution, and cultural ceremonies.
The Ziki clan, known for its rich traditions, sees the chief as a mediator between the people and the spirits of their ancestors, playing a crucial role in ceremonies that seek blessings, celebrate harvests, or mark significant life events.
The ongoing struggle reflects not only a battle for leadership but also a fight to preserve the traditions and identity tied to the chieftainship.
As the Masvingo Provincial Chiefs Assembly prepares for another meeting to deliberate on the issue, the Ziki clan remains hopeful that their continued efforts will soon culminate in the long-awaited installation of their chief, restoring both governance and cultural continuity to the community.
