Harare, Zimbabwe – Barbara Rwodzi, the Minister of Environment and Tourism and Member of Parliament for Chirumanzu South, is currently facing significant criticism. This follows the emergence of an open letter that raises serious allegations regarding her involvement in an ongoing dispute over the Chirumanzu chieftainship.
The public letter, issued by members of the Simba Royal Family—one of the two recognized royal houses within the Chirumanzu lineage—accuses Minister Rwodzi of orchestrating a sustained campaign to discredit Chief Chirumanzu Mhazi Abraham Marufu Nyamandi. The family asserts that Rwodzi has publicly characterized the chief as an opposition political activist, a claim they vehemently deny.
The Simba Royal Family, from which the incumbent Chief Chirumanzu hails, has condemned these accusations as malicious, unfounded, and detrimental to both the chief’s personal reputation and the esteemed institution of traditional leadership. They highlight Chief Nyamandi’s extensive record of public service, including his participation in the liberation struggle, arguing that allegations of partisan political engagement undermine his historical contributions and authority.
In a poignant excerpt from their letter, the family stated, “We strongly object to the continuous malicious accusations against our Chief by the MP, particularly the branding of the Chief as an opposition activist. These baseless allegations are not only malicious but profoundly damaging to the standing of our Chief and the Chieftainship.”
The letter further elaborated on Chief Nyamandi’s distinguished past, noting, “The Chief is a man with an unblemished record dating back to his involvement in the Chimurenga war. We have enclosed his biography for further details.”
Emphasizing the chieftainship’s historical allegiance, the letter continued, “The Chirumanzu Chieftainship itself boasts a rich history of supporting the liberation struggle and the ruling party, from Chief Jumo’s resistance against white minority rule in 1912, through the reigns of subsequent chiefs, to Chief Jaravaza at independence, and extending to the tenure of our esteemed President H.E. President E. D. Mnangagwa as Chirumanzu Zibagwe M.P.”
The Simba Royal Family’s open letter also cautioned that public attacks on a sitting chief could lead to community polarization and diminish respect for established customary governance structures. They advocate for chieftainship disputes to be resolved through established cultural and legal channels, rather than through public political discourse.
Expressing their disappointment, the family noted that despite the installation of the substantive Chief, which was expected to foster harmony, divisive campaigns and smear tactics persist, causing continued unrest.
They urged both Chief Nyamandi and Minister Rwodzi to engage in genuine and inclusive dialogue to resolve this “artificial war” and focus on the genuine needs of the Chirumanzu populace.
The Simba Family has affirmed its willingness to leverage its nearly two centuries of experience in regional guidance to facilitate a peaceful resolution. Attempts to secure a comment from Minister Rwodzi were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to written inquiries.
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