THE Bere chieftainship has been restored following the installation of Petros Murombo Mahwekwe as substantive Chief Bere last Saturday at Chidzikwe Primary School in Masvingo, bringing closure to an acting leadership period that began in 2021.
Local Government and Public Works minister, Daniel Garwe, said traditional leaders remained key pillars in preserving culture and driving rural development.
“Traditional leaders are important in preserving our culture, promoting unity and supporting development at community level,” Garwe said.
He said the government remained committed to strengthening traditional leadership structures as part of broader efforts to promote cultural heritage and rural development.
“The government is committed to ensuring that traditional leadership institutions are strengthened so that they continue to play their rightful role in community development and preserving our values,” Garwe said.
The new Chief Bere succeeded an acting leadership arrangement held by Phineas Tafirei Junior following the death of his father, Phineas Tafirei, in 2021.
Mahwekwe became the second substantive Chief Bere under the rotational succession system, with leadership now passing to the Makamure house in line with established traditional arrangements within the Bere royal family.
The late Chief Bere was installed in 2019, becoming the first to hold the title in 125 years after the chieftainship was abolished during the colonial era for resisting Rhodesian rule.
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Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister, Ezra Chadzamira, said the ceremony reflected the government’s commitment to restoring and strengthening traditional leadership institutions.
“The government recognises traditional leaders as critical partners in governance, development and the preservation of cultural heritage,” Chadzamira said.
The event was also attended by Local Government deputy minister, Albert Mavhunga, Chiefs Council president Mtshane Khumalo and Chief Fortune Charumbira.
“The installation of Chief Bere restores continuity and stability within the chieftainship and strengthens community leadership structures,” Khumalo said.
The Bere chieftainship, of the Shumba totem, spans from Mashava in the west to Bhuka in the south-east and borders Zimuto and surrounding communities.
