By Vumani Mthiyane
Traditional Chiefs in Matabeleland South have expressed mixed feelings over Ntabazinduna Chief Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni`s recent utterances that he did not recognise President Emmerson Mnangagwa`s administration and calls for more sanctions on the government.
His utterances were dismissed by some senior government officials with some sections calling for his ouster.
The outspoken chief also survived an attack by a group of suspected Zanu PF youths who tried to seize his official vehicle.
Gwanda North Chief Khulumani Mathema defended Chief Ndiweni saying he is exercising his rights as enshrined in the country’s constitution.
“He is entitled to his own opinion as a leader,” said Chief Mathema.
Kezi Chief Vuyani Nyangazonke Ndiweni said Chief Ndiweni`s utterances were uncalled for.
“Personally I think my brother is overreacting unless or otherwise, he has another agenda which we are not aware of.
“Secondly, as someone who was based in the United Kingdom, I think he is taking western ideologies/policies to Zimbabwe which are not applicable here. Otherwise, this whole thing is not called for at all,” said Chief Nyangazonke.
He added that as Chiefs they must leave politics to politicians and concentrate on their traditional roles.
In a recent interview, Chief Ndiweni dismissed reports linking him to opposition political parties.
“I note with concern that some individuals are trying to push innuendos that Chief Ndiweni follows this party or this party,” said the traditional leader.
“When I went to see Joyce Mujuru of People First they said Chief Ndiweni is following her when l went to see Dabengwa they said I follow ZAPU.
“I was doing my job and I am doing my job. In my jurisdiction, people will vote differently but at the end of the day they are all my people and I need to address my concerns to them.”
