31-year-old Chief Mvuthu becomes first female chief in Matabeleland after brutal 11-year fight
History was made in Hwange District, Matabeleland North, on Friday, 15 August 2025, when 31-year-old Silibaziso Mlotshwa was officially installed as Chief Mvuthu after a bruising 11-year family battle. She becomes the first substantive female chief in Matabeleland North and the seventh female chief in Zimbabwe.
The installation ceremony, held at the Mlotshwa homestead on the outskirts of Victoria Falls, ended years of disputes following the death of her father, Chief Nyangayezizwe Mlotshwa, who passed away in March 2014.
Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Albert Mavhunga, presided over the ceremony and emphasised the importance of the moment.
“President Emmerson Mnangagwa is deliberate and intentional when it comes to the empowerment of young people and women. 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. We look forward to seeing more female chiefs appointed in the future,” said Chairperson Commissioner Margaret Mukahanana.
Chief Mvuthu, born on 5 December 1994, previously worked as a community teacher and with the Jafuta Foundation, where she focused on empowering women and children.
Her appointment means that Zimbabwe now has seven female chiefs in total. Four are already serving in Matabeleland South, but Chief Mvuthu is the very first in Matabeleland North.
As she received the royal rod and keys to a new government vehicle, she dedicated her victory to women and girls across Zimbabwe.
“This victory is not mine alone. It belongs to every young girl who dreams of leading, to every woman told she cannot,” she said to loud applause.
Her installation marks the end of a leadership vacuum that lasted over a decade, with Headman Bishop Matata Sibanda serving as Acting Chief from 2014 until her appointment.
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The post Chief Mvuthu, 31, Becomes First Female Chief In Matabeleland After Brutal 11-Year Fight appeared first on iHarare News.
