By Jones Gadama
A 25-year chieftaincy dispute in Mzimba has finally come to an end after the Ministry of Local Government installed Khetwayo Jere as Inkosi Mzikubola during a colourful ceremony held at Ewombeni.
The long-standing wrangles over the throne had stalled development in the area, but chiefs and subjects alike expressed relief that peace has returned.
Another claimant to the throne, Masabani Jere, said he was still reflecting on the development and reserved further comment for now.
Presiding over the installation, Inkosi ya Makosi Mmbelwa V commended government for intervening.
He said the prolonged dispute robbed the community of progress and urged the newly installed Inkosi Mzikubola to focus on unity and service delivery rather than the past.
During the same event, government also elevated GVH Watson Chimtunga Jere to the position of Sub-Traditional Authority.
Minister of Local Government Ben Phiri, who represented the DPP administration, said government remains committed to protecting Malawi’s cultural heritage and empowering traditional leaders as partners in development.
_”Your Royal Highnesses, government does not see you as mere custodians of culture. You are development agents. Where there is peace under a chief, there is a school, a clinic, and roads. The DPP government under His Excellency President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika recognizes that and that is why we are restoring dignity to the institution of chieftaincy,”_ Phiri told the gathering.
He added that the President’s vision is to ensure that every part of Malawi benefits from development, and that stable traditional leadership is central to that agenda.
Chiefs at the function applauded the minister for what they described as rare humility.
Inkosi Kalonga Jere was among those who spoke openly.
_”We have had many Ministers of Local Government before, but to us they came as bosses. They stood before chiefs without respect. But Hon. Ben Phiri is different. He came, he greeted, he listened, and he honoured the throne. Because of that respect, we also respect him. We thank President Mutharika for being guided by God in appointing such ministers,”_ Kalonga Jere said.
Under the DPP, government has been prioritizing the welfare of chiefs through increased honoraria, training on governance, and involvement in local development planning, a move the party says is meant to strengthen grassroots leadership ahead of 2030.
With the installation of Inkosi Mzikubola, community members in Mzimba say they are now looking forward to a new chapter of peace and development.
