Female chief to step down

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CHIEF Dakamela of Nkayi in Matabeleland North, who was born Hleziphi Dakamela, has said she will step down and hand over the chieftaincy to her brother’s oldest son when he turns 16 years old.

CHIEF Dakamela of Nkayi in Matabeleland North, who was born Hleziphi Dakamela, has said she will step down and hand over the chieftaincy to her brother’s oldest son when he turns 16 years old.

BENSON DUBE OWN CORRESPONDENT She became a chief in 2004 when her brother died and the family agreed that she be installed as chief in the place of her then infant nephew.

As soon as her nephew is ready to take over the chieftaincy, Chief Dakamela said she would hand over the reins to him as they rightfully belong to him.

“When l became chief, there was a lot of resistance from members of the community, but they could not do anything as there had been an agreement within the family.

“My brother had died and the kids were still young and it was agreed that I take over until such a time the oldest son was old enough,” Chief Dakamela said without disclosing how old her nephew is now.

“Culture must be honoured and we must maintain that traditional way of inheritance. Women are like visitors, they can assume the chieftaincy as long as they do not take it away from the rightful family.

“The decision on who is to take over as chief is arrived at in the royal family meeting,” she said.

Chief Sikhobokhobo said courts of law did not have a solution to traditional chieftaincy issues and if the truth be told, there would be no lawsuits concerning chieftaincies.

He said women could not be chiefs in accordance with Ndebele tradition and the problem was brought about by new laws adopted by the government after independence.

“How can I fight with my sister over the chieftainship? People say there are laws, but the laws are not the truth,” he said.

“The truth among us as Ndebeles is that we do not have a woman chief.

“How will she preside over the chiefs’ court when she is married?

“Once you leave the royal household and get married, you no longer have a say in what goes on in that family.”

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