A MAKONI headman has scored a first by presiding over the
affairs of Mupambawahle Village from his London base.
When the England-based Headman Talkmore Mupambawahle was
installed as the sixth Mupambawahle Village leader four years ago, many people
were skeptical of the move.
There were murmurs of discontent as most villagers felt
that it was improper for the clan to be led by someone who resides more than 10
000km away.
But the 50-year-old traditional leader is utilising modern
technology to be in constant touch with developments in his rural area.
He has been working closely with Makoni Rural District
Council; Makoni South Member of National Assembly, Cde Misheck Mataranyika;
Ward 26 councillor, Councillor Vesta Marovero and other development partners.
Headman Mupambawahle is a medical professional specialising
in mental health.
He last came to Zimbabwe last year in August.
“Running the village from London has not been a challenge
for me as the people I lead appreciate what I am doing. When I was installed to
lead the village, I seconded my sister, Muzvare Leah
Mupambawahle, to act in my absence and the village embraced the move.
“Technology is keeping me in touch with the people. On any
issues that need my attention, I usually have tele-conferences with those on the
ground. The other local leaders are very co-operative considering that I am far
away.
“Sometimes we do WhatsApp conferencing. My sister is very
trustworthy because she ensures that what we agree on is implemented,” said
Headman Mupambawahle.
When it comes to village gatherings, Headman Mupambawahle
addresses his subjects via the phone’s loud speaker.
The traditional leader also revealed that he participates
in all the cases that are brought before his court for adjudication.
“I have allocated Muzvare Mupambawahle and the court’s
assessors some laptops to enable them to send the transcripts of the cases to
me for review. I review all the cases to see if they did the correct thing or
not.
“When handling a difficult case, they call me and we
deliberate over the issue. While I am not after passing punitive judgments, I
prefer justice for my people. I deliver judgments that make the entire village
live in harmony,” said Headman Mupambawahle.
The headman has also helped in spearheading developmental
projects in his area, among them roads rehabilitation and the construction of
two bridges.
“I have rallied my subjects to mobilise fuel for the road
works and the response has been very positive. We are also opening up new roads
to make sure that every corner of the village is accessible. We also approached
the local MP, Cde Mataranyika, who assisted us with material to construct two
bridges,” said Headman Mupambawahle.
Muzvare Mupambawahle said running the village on behalf of
her brother has been an eye opening experience, especially considering that she
is a woman.
“The villagers are very cooperative and I have not
encountered any challenges in executing my duties. They do not treat me as a
acting headman, but as a competent Muzvare (a royal title for a princess).
Right now there is overwhelming response to our call for the mobilisation of
fuel for road construction and rehabilitation projects. So far we have
mobilised 2 680 litres from the villagers, more is coming,” said Muzvare
Mupambawahle.
Councillor Marovero, who is also Makoni Rural District
Council vice-chairperson, said Headman Mupambawahle is doing very well in
leading his village and coordinating development through his proxies.
“So far everything is progressing well in the village.
Headman Mupambawahle is a hands-on person and we have no regret in having him
directing operations from his London base,” said Councillor Marovero. Manica Post
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