Some members of the Khumalo family have filed an application with the High Court of Zimbabwe, challenging the appointment of Zanele Khumalo as Regent Chief Mabhikwa.
Zanele, whose introduction ceremony was held on Friday at the Chief Mabhikwa homestead in Jotsholo, has been chosen to act as regent for Wayne Makhosemvelo Khumalo, the nine-year-old son of the late Vusumuzi Khumalo, until he reaches the age of 18.
The late traditional leader died in road accident along the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway in 2022.
According to court documents seen by CITE, 32 family members—including John Khumalo, who assumed leadership following Chief Vusumuzi Khumalo’s death in 2022— oppose Zanele’s appointment.
The application lists the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, the President of the National Council of Chiefs, the Chairperson of the Matabeleland North Provincial Assembly of Chiefs, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and Zanele Khumalo as respondents.
The family members argue that the decision to replace John Khumalo with Zanele was “unprocedural.”
They further claim the selection process was biased and failed to consider key factors related to the Mlonyeni-Khumalo-Mabhikwa clan.
“The decisions of the first, second, third, and fifth respondents are reviewable at law on the grounds of illegality, irrationality, and procedural impropriety,” the application states. “There was bias and a conflict of interest by the Chief Nkalakatha-led delegation.”
The family also alleges that the process disregarded relevant considerations, relied on incorrect information, and was conducted in bad faith. They argue that valid reasons and proper minutes for the meeting were not provided, failing to meet the legitimate expectations of the clan.
The family members have called on the President of the National Council of Chiefs, through the Chairperson of the Matabeleland North Provincial Assembly of Chiefs, to convene a fresh consultation meeting to select a suitable candidate in line with the traditional and customary succession practices of the Mlonyeni-Khumalo clan, as outlined in the Traditional Leaders Act.
They insist that this meeting should exclude Zanele Khumalo and the chiefs who participated in the initial selection process.
