Victoria Falls Erupts in Joy as Silibaziso Mltoshwa Breaks Barrier, Becomes First Female Chief in Matabeleland North

VICTORIA FALLS, Zimbabwe – The air above Victoria Falls resonated with more than the roar of the mighty Zambezi on Friday joyful ululations, the traditional celebratory cry, filled the region as Ms. Silibaziso Mlotshwa was formally installed as Chief Mvuthu in a ceremony brimming with cultural significance and historic weight.

At just 31 years old, Chief Mvuthu shatters a profound dual barrier. She is not only the first woman to ascend to a chieftaincy in Matabeleland North province but also brings an end to an 11-year deadlock that left the position vacant. Her installation marks a pivotal moment, challenging long-standing traditions and opening a new chapter for the community.

The celebratory atmosphere underscored the immense cultural and historical importance of the event. For over a decade, the Mvuthu chieftaincy remained leaderless, creating uncertainty. Chief Mlotshwa’s ascension resolves that vacancy in a way few anticipated, directly confronting and overcoming a deeply entrenched gender barrier within the traditional leadership structure.

Chief Mlotshwa’s installation represents more than filling a vacant seat; it signifies a tangible shift in the landscape of traditional authority in Zimbabwe. Her leadership journey as Chief Mvuthu is now watched with anticipation, carrying the hopes of her community and the weight of being a pioneering figure in the region’s history. The ululations echoing from Victoria Falls truly heralded a new era.