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Harare — Outspoken politician and traditional leader, Temba Mliswa has publicly condemned what he characterized as vulgar insults directed at a traditional leader, Chief Munyire, born Ephias Munodawafa, as the country grapples with a debate over a dispute involving him and a local businessman Philimon Mutangiri.
Chief Murinye and Mutangari are embroiled in a dispute emanating from the construction of a private school by the later, with the former accusing his rival of not following due process including getting his nod before construction and opening of Riverton Extension High school in his chieftainship.
The clash reached alarming levels after the Chief blocked parents from proceeding to the school recently resulting in the intervention of the Resident Minister, Ezra Chadzamira and the police.
The clash prompted to a heated debate on the social media with some criticizing the Chief while others supported his move after they were recorded on videos exchanging harsh words during the chief’s attempt to block students and parents to reach the school.
In a series of social media remarks, posted on his X handle, Mliswa urged that Zimbabwe’s cultural values and ethics remain intact and emphasized that there are proper channels to address grievances without resorting to disrespect.
Mliswa, who serves as President of the Zimbabwe Village Heads Association (ZIVHA), wrote that “Mambo haatukwe, and in the case where one has an issue with him there are ways to deal with the matter and not offensive and vulgar insults.”
“Zimbabwe is a special country which has very strong cultural values and ethics, There are certain boundaries which we never get to cross and insulting a Chief is one of them.” the outspoken politician wrote.
In his capacity as ZIVHA president, Mliswa added that traditional leaders must be protected.
“As the President of the Zimbabwe Village Heads Association (ZIVHA) and on behalf of other traditional leaders we will never accept such vulgar behavior against a traditional leader,” he added.
He also challenged Mutangiri’s conduct, arguing that “It’s unfortunate that we have parents who are supporting a school leader who exhibits such atrocious behaviour. It already foretells the environment into which your kids are going and the kind of people they will grow into.” He wrote.
Mliswa further criticized what he described as hypocritical attitudes among supporters of businessman Mutangiri.
“It is very ironic that someone who has built illegal structures which are not recognised by the relevant RDC or Ministry department has the attitude to insult and attack a Chief who is merely defending his community.” reads the post
Mliswa pointed to several issues cited by Mutangiri, including the installation of power and roads, arguing that such matters are social corporate responsibilities that do not grant anyone special rights for what he describes as “wanton behaviour.”
The law, Mliswa said, is clear on rural developments.
“For such projects in rural areas the law is clear. For communal land, there should be a letter of no objection from the responsible Headman or Chief, in addition to the RDC permit while documents showing community consent absence of land disputes must be attached to the EDIA form.”
“None of this was ever done,” adding that supporters who raise concerns about corruption should question Mutangiri’s actions instead.
Mliswa urged Mutangiri to regularize his business operations rather than attack the Chief, whose concerns Mliswa viewed as valid.
Efforts to get a comment from Mutangiri over Mliswa’s remarks were fruitless.
