Historic Appointment: Ms. Silibaziso Mlotshwa Becomes First Substantive Female Chief Mvuthu

In a landmark decision, Ms. Silibaziso Mlotshwa has been officially appointed as the inaugural substantive Chief Mvuthu of Hwange District, Matabeleland North Province. The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works announced her appointment, effective May 16, 2025.

This pivotal moment in Zimbabwean traditional leadership comes after years of an acting chief and a deep division within the Mlotshwa family. The contention largely revolved around the fact that Ms. Mlotshwa is a woman, challenging customary law that has historically discouraged female succession to chieftaincy.

The decision aligns with Section 283(a)(i) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which guarantees equal rights for all citizens regardless of gender, as read with Sections 3(1) and (2) of the Traditional Leaders Act [Chapter 29:17].

Ms. Mlotshwa, now 30 years old, is the daughter of the late Chief Mvuthu, Mr. Nyangayezizwe Mlotshwa, who passed away in March 2014 at the age of 61. Since his passing, Mr. Bishop Matata Sibanda had been serving as Acting Chief. Ms. Mlotshwa is married to Mr. Raymond Siwela and they have one son.

Her appointment is not just a significant moment for the Hwange community but for Zimbabwe as a whole. It sets a transformative precedent for future traditional leadership successions, potentially paving the way for more women to assume roles of traditional authority across the country.