Chief Mvuthu, 31, Becomes First Female Chief In Matabeleland After Brutal 11-Year Fight

📅 Published: August 16, 2025

Curated by AllZimNews.com

Today, we witness that empowerment in action.

Chief Mvuthu’s inauguration is a perfect demonstration of that,” said Honourable Mavhunga. “I fought for 11 years” Clad in the blazing red robe, chain and hat of royalty, Chief Mvuthu stood tall as she addressed her people after years of struggle. “I was fighting for this for 11 years.

Those struggles shaped me.

They taught me that no one will fight for you, you must rise and claim your place.

I am here not to dictate, but to serve,” she said in her acceptance speech.

In an earlier interview with Zimpapers, she described the struggle as both painful and transformative. “For 11 years, I was fighting for the chieftaincy.

They were hard years, but it was sort of a training.

It challenged me to come out of the box, to realise that no one was going to do it for me.

I had to do it myself,” she said.

Her appointment was made official on 16 May 2025 by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, after a High Court ruling affirmed her right to succeed her father under Section 56 of the Constitution, which guarantees gender equality.

Chiefs’ Council, Gender Commission weigh in The installation drew praise from traditional leaders and the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, who hailed it as a turning point.

The President of the National Chiefs’ Council, Senator Chief Mtshane Khumalo, said the court decision was binding and aligned with constitutional principles. “The courts advised us as a provincial assembly to revisit Section 56 of the Constitution, which provides for equality even in our cultural issues.

We had no option but to abide by the Constitution, which supersedes all statutes,” he said.

The Zimbabwe Gender Commission also welcomed the move. “We are happy to witness this inauguration.

It is a fulfilment of our Constitution, which promotes gender equality.