Chief Mabhikwa dies
Makomborero Jerera and Nevanji Munyaradzi Chiondegwa
“Mntungwa,
Mbulaz’omnyama,
Nina bakaBhej’ eseNgome,
Nin’ enadl’umuntu nimyenga ngendaba,
Nin’ enadl’ izimf’ezimbili ikhambi laphuma lilinye,
Lobengula kaMzilikazi.”
The Khumalo praise names rang out on 11 May 2012 when the 19 year-old Nichodemus Vusumuzi Khumalo, whose middle name means awaken or raise a home was installed Chief Mabhikwa.
He made history when he was installed as Chief Mabhikwa at 19 years old and still in his second year at University, becoming the youngest Chief in the country.
Today the clan names rang out for the last time on his behalf as he succumbed to injuries from an road accident at St Luke’s Hospital in Lupane.
According to details from the family, Chief Mabhikwa died when his car collided with a haulage truck along the Victoria Falls-Bulawayo Road around 10pm on Sunday.
He was rushed to St Luke’s Hospital in Lupane where he later succumbed to his injuries.
A very progressive and development oriented chief, he was installed six years after his father Edwin, a member of the Provincial Council of Chiefs had passed away.
He was 30 at the time of his death.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana, announced the youthful traditional leader’s demise.
He said; “We learn with grief of the death of Chief Mabhikwa (Born Vusumuzi Khumalo) in a car accident. Chief Mabhikwa was a member of the [Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe] Board.
A very dynamic young chief. Condolences to his family, colleagues and those whose affairs he presided over. MHSRIP.”
Family spokesperson, Donald Khumalo said Chief Mabhikwa’s death comes as a painful shock to the family.
“It’s true, unfortunately, Chief Mabhikwa has died. We are in mourning as a family. Details from the family say he was involved in a collision with a haulage truck around 10 PM along the Bulawayo Victoria Falls Highway.
“He was, later on, rushed to St Luke’s Hospital in Lupane where he died,” he said
Chief Mabhikwa was among those chiefs eager to see development and see the issue of Gukurahundi addressed.
President Mnangagwa had engaged with Matebeleland Chiefs on several times discussing issues and Chief Mabhikwa would be an active participant.
President Mnangagwa said the Chiefs would lead on the way forward.
The Mabhikwa Khumalo’s chieftaincy is traceable to Mlonyeni Khumalo who had been appointed chief by Queen Lozikeyi Dhlodhlo.
Chief Mlonyeni Khumalo had succeeded Mfulana Khumalo, a prominent traditional doctor at the Royal Town of KoBulawayo.
Chief Mabhikwa name is among others that will have streets bearing their names in Bulawayo.
A new age Chief, Mabhikwa will be remembered for his easy going character and presence on Bulawayo’s social scene.
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