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GOVERNMENT has written to the Ndiweni family notifying them of a proposed meeting to discuss the vacant Ntabazinduna chieftainship after President Emmerson Mnangagwa fired Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni.
In a letter dated May 23, 2024 addressed to the Ndiweni family, acting Umguza district development co-ordinator a F Muchokore said the meeting would be held on May 31 at Chief Ndiweni’s homestead.
“The Department of Traditional Leaders Support Services is requesting an engagement meeting with the Ndiweni family concerning the Ndiweni chieftainship,” the letter read.
“Therefore, may you assist by inviting members of the Ndiweni family to this important meeting. Kindly advise on a convenient time to hold the meeting. Your usual co-operation will be greatly appreciated.”
The letter was copied to the acting director Local Government Services Tapiwa Zivovoyi and the Traditional Leaders Support Services chief director — a F Chikovo.
Muchokore was not available for comment on Tuesday.
An official in her office said she would be in office on Wednesday.
However, repeated efforts to obtain a comment from her were fruitless.
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Responding to the letter, the exiled Nhlanhlayamangwe through a letter addressed to Muchokore said it was encouraging to receive correspondence from the government office after a very long period of silence.
Nhlanhlayamangwe, however, requested the acting DDC to shed light on the proposed meeting for the necessary documents and correspondences to be obtained, and “to establish who can attend”.
“Depending on the nature of the proposed meeting my residence could prove not suitable for others who would need to attend the meeting via the internet on Zoom application because of poor phone internet networks at my residence,” Nhlanhlayamangwe wrote.
“Other meetings within the House of Nhlanhlayamangwe Clan require a much longer notice period in order for clan members to attend. This includes the Amangwe clan whom we are a part of and who play a vital role with respect to our customs and traditions.”
He, however, said the proposed venue was already subject to a High Court order.
Nhlanhlayamangwe was dethroned in 2019 by Mnangagwa’s government after his brother Douglas declared himself the heir to the throne and lodged several court challenges.
Douglas said he was chosen by the Ndiweni family as the heir after his father Chief Khayisa Felix Ndiweni passed away on August 10, 2010.
Despite the court challenges, Nhlanhlayamangwe insists he remains the Ntabazinduna chief, saying he frequently holds virtual meetings with his village heads and subjects.