Harare (New Ziana) – Matabeleland North traditional leader, Chief Mtshane Khumalo was on Thursday elected new president of the chief’s council, with the outgoing leader of the body, chief Fortune Chrumbira, voted in as deputy.

Charumbira, who is also president of the Pan African parliament, had been president of the chief’s council for several years.

On the other hand, until now, Chief Khumalo had been deputy president of the chief’s council for years as well.

The two chiefs were elected unopposed in polls conducted by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), the body in overall charge of national elections.

ZEC presiding officer, James Chidamba said the elections had been conducted in strict accordance of the law, and the outcome was valid.

“We were well prepared as ZEC. The elections for the president and deputy president of the Chiefs council went on very well and according to the law. It was transparent, smooth and we are grateful that there were no glitches at all because we came well prepared,” he said.

Speaking soon after being elected, Chief Mtshane said he appreciated the confidence that his colleagues had shown in him, and pledged to work as a team.

“If you notice the same presidium for 2018 was retained unopposed. For me it is a sign of confidence in our leadership from our colleagues. We shall continue working as a team,” he said.

“It is easier to have continuity of doing things than starting afresh, so I can say this election result is a head start,” he added.

Chief Khumalo said his immediate priority would be aligning the Traditional Leaders Act with the constitution, which was overdue.

“This Act should have been aligned about 10 years ago, but this has not taken place. We shall push this through our line Ministry so that it is aligned and conforms to the constitution,” said chief Mtshane.

Chief Charumbira, who was not seeking re-election as president of the chief’s council, said he was grateful for the trust and support from the council of chiefs.

New Ziana