Communities under Chief Murinye in Masvingo have reportedly been asked to contribute towards his private graduation celebrations.
Each village must reportedly raise US$20, while additional money will cover transport costs. However, the fundraising has sparked concerns among villagers already facing financial difficulties.
Chief Murinye, born Ephias Munodawafa, confirmed the contributions during a telephone interview with Masvingo Mirror. However, he maintained that villagers had voluntarily organised the fundraising exercise.
“Yes, it’s true that villages are contributing US$20 for my graduation party. The decision to hold the party and make contributions was made by them,” said Chief Murinye.
Village heads have disputed his explanation, claiming traditional leaders instructed them to collect the money. They spoke anonymously, citing fears of possible reprisals.
Village Heads Claim Threats Over Unpaid Contributions
According to the village heads, headmen Chibwe and Mukamwe summoned them to a meeting at Chatikobo last week.
They allegedly instructed each village to contribute US$20 towards the chief’s graduation celebrations. Furthermore, the village heads claim officials threatened fines against communities that failed to pay.
Villagers must also reportedly contribute another US$15 per village for transport. This money will cover the village head’s journey to deliver the contributions.
With more than 170 villages under Chief Murinye, the fundraising could generate at least US$5,950. This figure excludes the additional transport contributions.
Headman Chibwe, born Edmore Matavire, acknowledged the US$20 contributions. However, he maintained that village heads had initiated the arrangement.
He also denied that anyone would face punishment for failing to contribute.
“Headman Chibwe summoned us to Chatikobo last week, where he instructed us to raise US$20 per village towards the chief’s graduation party. Whoever fails to raise the money will be fined. All we can do is collect the money from villagers,” said one village head.
The circumstances surrounding the graduation celebrations also remain unclear. Chief Murinye’s last publicly known graduation took place in 2017, when he obtained a law degree.
Government Says Chiefs Cannot Demand Money For Private Events
The reported fundraising has attracted criticism because of the financial pressures facing rural communities.
Many villagers reportedly survive on less than US$1 daily. Nevertheless, they continue facing several traditional levies linked to community ceremonies and personal events.
These charges reportedly include burial contributions, US$15 for tombstone unveilings and another US$15 for memorial services.
Meanwhile, villagers in Gutu reportedly contribute US$1 each to Chief Gutu towards Zunde Ramambo.
However, the Ministry of Local Government has questioned the legal basis for demanding money from communities.
Ministry spokesperson Gabriel Masvora said no existing law or policy authorises chiefs to collect money for private matters.
Senior lawyer Aleck Muchadehama also criticised the reported fundraising. He described the arrangement as an exploitation of economically struggling villagers.
“US$20 is too much for villagers who are struggling to make a living. There is neither legal nor moral basis for asking villagers to fund a private party,” he said.
“The party is a private function that has nothing to do with the chiefdom, and villagers should not be dragged into it.”
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