Ernest Marowo Officially Installed Headman Marowo

Kodzaimambo, Nyanga – In a vibrant celebration of culture, heritage, and unity, the community of Nyanga North converged at Kodzaimambo Primary School in Ward 1, Fombe area for the official installation of Mr. Ernest Marowo ad Headman Marowo, who now assumes traditional leadership under Chief Katerere.

The grand ceremony was a showcase of rich African tradition, marked by spirited performances, drumming, ululations, and heartfelt speeches that reflected the pride and history of the Marowo community.

Traditional leaders, government representatives, district officials, churches, civil society organisations, and villagers from across Nyanga North attended the event, which not only honoured the Marowo lineage but also affirmed the importance of traditional leadership in promoting peace, land administration, and rural development.

The atmosphere was electric from the early hours of the morning as cultural groups performed traditional drum rhythms, and praise poetry.

School children and Women in colourful African fabrics and head wraps led ululations while elders donned traditional regalia, signalling the deep cultural reverence of the occasion.

The ceremony began with sacred traditional rites led by family elders and spiritual custodians, invoking ancestral blessings for the new headman’s journey.

The presentation of leadership tools—staffs, hide emblems, and ritual beads—marked the formal transfer of responsibility to Headman Marowo, was done at a family gathering, signifying authority and service to the people.

A moving presentation outlined the history of the Marowo headmanship, a respected institution within the traditional jurisdiction of Chief Katerere.

Speakers highlighted the resilience of traditional systems despite colonial disruption and modern pressures, affirming that cultural governance remains central to rural identity and social order.

In a brief interview, the newly installed Headman Marowo expressed humility and gratitude to his clan, Chief Katerere, and the wider community of Nyanga and the entire Nation for entrusting him with leadership.

“I accept this responsibility with honour and humility. Leadership is about service, unity, and fairness. I will work with every villager, every family, every youth and elder to build a community rooted in peace, dignity, and progress,”
he said.

He pledged to promote conflict resolution through dialogue, protect community land, preserve cultural values, and champion development projects in Nyanga North.

He called on the community to remain united and disciplined, saying, “Development is impossible without unity. Tinovaka pamwe chete — we build together.”

A speech delivered on behalf of the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works by Assistant Director in the Ministry, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening traditional leadership structures in line with national development priorities.

“Traditional leaders are a vital link between Government and the people. They play a key role in maintaining peace, mobilising communities, and facilitating rural development. The Second Republic under His Excellency President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa continues to honour and empower traditional institutions,” the official said.

Government commended the orderly and culturally grounded installation process, describing it as a reflection of Zimbabwe’s respect for heritage and governance stability.

The event also highlighted development projects transforming Nyanga North, thanks to Government programmes supported by devolution funding.

Speakers noted milestones achieved in infrastructure, agriculture, and service delivery, including, Road rehabilitation under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP1 & 2), improving access to remote areas.

Notable achievements in Rural electrification at schools, clinics, and business centres was noted under phases one and two of the Tsengerayi-Mukunza REF-Funded programme with phase three taking the electrification drive to Fombe in Ward 1, Nyanga North Constituency.

Borehole drilling and solar-powered water systems benefiting villages through the Presidential Rural Development Programmes have also been rolled out across Nyanga District.

The Construction of new schools and classroom blocks in already existing ones have been noticed, improving access to education. Here Nyamubarawanda Secondary School, Regina Primary, Bunganirwe Primary, Kanyimo Secondary and Sande Munemo Secondary quickly come to mind.

Upgrading of health facilities to improve maternal and emergency services have been rolled out in Nyanga District thanks to the Second Republic.

Notable Support for agriculture through Pfumvudza/Intwasa input schemes and irrigation revitalisation have been implemented across the District with the Nyakomba Irrigation Scheme being a landmark project in the District.

Nyanga North is historically known for its rugged terrain and remote communities, but speakers emphasised that the Second Republic has ensured no area is left behind in national development.

The installation ceremony doubled as a celebration of traditional heritage.

Groups performed the Nyakapini and Chinyambera dances, while local poets recited powerful ancestral praise pieces.

Cultural custodians encouraged young people to embrace their heritage, reminding them that identity is essential to nationhood.

“A people without culture are a people lost. Ngatichengetedzei tsika nemagariro edu,”
said one cultural advocate.

Throughout the day, speakers emphasized peace and togetherness as essential to social progress.

Village heads and councillors reminded the community that development thrives where there is unity, discipline, and mutual respect.

“Let us avoid unnecessary disputes and divisions. Headman Marowo needs our full support for this area to move forward,” said village head Mudzudza.

The ceremony came to a close with traditional blessings and a renewed commitment to development and cultural preservation.

The installation of Headman Marowo under Chief Katerere marks not only a continuation of ancestral leadership but also a progressive step forward in strengthening local governance.

The people of Nyanga North left Kodzaimambo with pride—grounded in tradition, inspired by progress, and united under new leadership.

With strong cultural roots and growing development support, the future of the Marowo community looks brighter than ever.