The Bulawayo High Court has set aside the appointment of Zanele Khumalo as Regent Chief Mabhikwa, ruling in favour of John Khumalo, who had challenged the decision on cultural and procedural grounds.
Justice Mposeni Dube referred the matter back to the Chief’s Council, stressing that the courts do not have jurisdiction over the appointment of substantive or regent traditional leaders.
The dispute over the Mabhikwa chieftainship intensified after family members rejected Zanele Khumalo’s appointment, arguing that cultural customs prohibit women from assuming the role.
The court also noted irregularities in the appointment process, including claims that some chiefs within her clan allegedly overruled the views of the Mabhikwa-Khumalo family.
In his submissions, John Khumalo maintained that the chieftainship has never been passed to a woman in the family’s history.
He further argued that the appointment had triggered dissatisfaction among both family members and the wider Lupane community.
The chieftainship fell vacant following the death of Chief Vusumuzi Khumalo in a road accident on 22 May 2022. His uncle, John Khumalo, was subsequently appointed acting chief.
Earlier this year, Zanele Khumalo was named regent, with the intention that she would hold the position for nine years until the late chief’s son, Wayne Makhosemvelo Khumalo, reached adulthood and could assume the role of substantive chief.
With the appointment now set aside, the matter returns to the Chief’s Council, which must undertake a fresh, lawful selection process in consultation with the relevant family structures.
More: ZBC News
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