By Anthony Chawagarira
HARARE – Traditional leaders in Manicaland Province have secured new representation at national level following the election of Chief Makoni and Chief Zimunya to key constitutional bodies.
According to an Extraordinary Government Gazette published on 12 June 2026, Chief Makoni (Simbayi Cephas) has been duly elected as a member of the Senate representing Manicaland Province. The election took effect on 11 June 2026 in terms of Section 44(8) of the Electoral Act and Section 37(5) of the Traditional Leaders Act.
In a related development, Chief Zimunya (Clayton Zimunya) was elected as a member of the National Council of Chiefs representing Manicaland Province. His election also took effect on 11 June 2026 under the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Traditional Leaders Act.
The appointments were announced through General Notices 897A and 897B of 2026 issued by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), with Chief Elections Officer S. Tongayi certifying the results.
The elections fill positions reserved for traditional leaders within Zimbabwe’s governance framework, ensuring the representation of chiefs in both the Senate and the National Council of Chiefs.
The Senate provides a platform for traditional leaders to contribute to national legislative processes, while the National Council of Chiefs serves as the highest body representing traditional leadership and advising on cultural, customary and community affairs.
