“Whether You Like It Or Not”: Garwe Installs Chief Chikwanda But Family Snubs Ceremony

Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe on Friday installed Silas Chikwanda, a Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) operative and his “personal aide,” as the substantive Chief Chikwanda.

Members of the Chikwanda family and clan reportedly snubbed the ceremony.

The event was held at Chikwanda Secondary School, near Lake Mutirikwi, and attendees were mainly schoolchildren, police from the Law and Order department, CIO personnel, and staff from the Ministry of Local Government.

Peter Chikwanda, Silas’s brother, described the ceremony as a “nullity.” He told Masvingo Mirror that no family members attended, as they had submitted a formal objection to President Emmerson Mnangagwa over what they called the “unprocedural and illegal appointment” of Silas. He said:

“We did not attend the ceremony, and we went about our daily activities because we object to the appointment, and we have sent our petition to the President on the matter.

“The event is a nullity. Nothing is above board and legal, so the whole thing is a non-event to us.”

Also notably absent were prominent local chiefs, including Chief Murinye, chairman of the Masvingo Provincial Chiefs’ Council; Chief Mutanga (born Felani Chauke); Chief Gutu, president of the Chiefs’ Council; Lucas Mtshane Kumalo; and Chief Musara, although the latter is said to work closely with Silas.

Both Chiefs Chitanga and Khumalo have recently voiced their displeasure at what they described as the unprocedural manner of Silas’s appointment by President Mnangagwa.

In response to the poor attendance, Garwe told the gathering that he installs anyone appointed chief by the President, and families can raise complaints afterwards.

He added that Silas is the second official from his office he has installed as chief, and that appointments by President Mnangagwa will proceed regardless of public opinion.

Garwe said that the other official he appointed is Chief Nyakuchena of Mudzi, born Keith Karinda Chimbangu. Said Garwe:

“This is the second young man from my office to be appointed and installed as Chief. The first was Chief Nyakuchena from Mudzi.

“If the President appoints someone, he is going to be installed, whether you like it or not, like what we are doing right now.”