LOCAL Government minister Daniel Garwe has been accused of suffering from colonial arrogance and undermining President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision for inclusive nation-building.
Garwe attracted brickbats from cultural activists, politicians and other groupings after he wrote an unprovoked letter describing Ndebele King Bulelani as a charlatan.
The minister wrote the letter after Bulelani paid a courtesy call on Bulawayo mayor David Coltart.
Garwe demanded a response from Coltart saying hosting Bulelani was “unlawful and criminal”.
Ironically, Garwe has been silent about King Mambo and King Munhumutapa despite that the country is not a monarch.
King Munhumutapa has enjoyed recognition at Zanu PF events.
Nkulumane Member of Parliament Desire Moyo said Garwe’s letter was “reckless, inflammatory and deeply insulting” and full of “colonial arrogance and ignorance”.
“The people of Nkulumane constituency and, indeed, the entire Matabeleland region, will not be silent as our identity is mocked, our traditions trampled on and our royalty reduced to criminality,” Moyo said.
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“Minister Garwe’s condescending dismissal of King Bulelani Lobengula Khumalo is a direct insult not only to the Khumalo royal house, but also to every cultural rite, sacrifice and struggle that has kept the Ndebele spirit alive despite bloodshed and betrayal.”
Moyo cited section 63 of the Constitution, which provides for the people’s right to participate in the cultural life of their choice.
Section 16 demands the preservation of cultural heritage and section 32 calls upon government officials to respect traditional institutions.
“Thus, it is our constitutional right to recognise, honour and follow a cultural monarch if we so choose,” Moyo said.
“No letter from a minister shall override the will of a people rooted in ancestral reverence.”
He reminded Garwe that Ndebele people have consistently preserved themselves through commemorations, ceremonies and other heritage celebrations.
“We have consciously approved of cultural leaders who carry the burden of memory and lead us in the spirit of self-preservation and cultural revival,” Moyo said.
“We are a nation of countless bleeding wounds, we need ministers who heal both the living and the dead, including Gukurahundi scars.
“With Minister Garwe’s loose tongue, I do not see President Mnangagwa’s traditional leader-driven Gukurahundi healing process succeeding.”
Southern Stars Foundation director-general Khumbu Malinga said there was nothing unconstitutional about the cultural recognition of King Bulelani as the symbolic and traditional monarch of the aMaNdebele.
“This cultural affirmation is deeply rooted in identity, healing and heritage preservation,” Malinga said.
“These reckless utterances come at a time when His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has shown tremendous leadership through the Gukurahundi community-led healing process, driven by traditional leaders — a bold step towards national unity and reconciliation.
“Such divisive statements from the minister risk derailing that noble initiative and undermining the President’s vision for inclusive nation-building.”
Malinga called on Garwe to withdraw the unfortunate remarks and “instead join hands with all Zimbabweans in respecting the cultural and traditional aspirations of every community.”
