No room for kings: Govt rejects royal claims

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

Chief Reporter

Government has reaffirmed its position that there is no constitutional provision for kingship in the country, effectively dismissing claims to the throne.

This stance was reiterated by Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, in response to a question regarding the government's position on the installation of King Bulelani Khumalo in Matabeleland North.

"There is no constitutional provision for kingship in Zimbabwe and therefore any claims to kingship falls away.

"The participation of chiefs in the installation of King Mambo in 2019 was a private function. If chiefs participated, it was out of their own volition," Garwe told Parliament on Wednesday.

The government's position on kingship has been a subject of debate, particularly with regards to the Ndebele King. The last Ndebele King was Lobengula, and there have been several attempts to revive the Ndebele Kingship. The government has, however, maintained that Zimbabwe is not a monarchy.

In a related development, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has opposed the application by Timothy Chiminya, who claims to be King Munhumutapa, seeking recognition as the paramount king of Zimbabwe.

The Ministry argued that there are no constitutional provisions to support Chiminya's claim, as the Constitution only recognises chiefs, headmen, and village heads.

Despite the Ministry's opposition, Chiminya obtained a default judgment from the High Court in 2022.

However, the Ministry has since instructed the Attorney General to apply for a rescission of the judgment, which was granted by Justice Siyabona Musithu.

The matter is now pending and will be heard on its merits.

Chiminya is currently behind bars on charges of undermining the authority of the President.

"The effect of the rescission being granted is that the order which Chiminya was masquerading with has been set aside and cannot claim to be the installed king.

"The initial matter of 2022 is now pending and has to be heard on the merits that is the matter will go for a full trial. The Ministry has never at any time consented to the appointment of Timothy Chiminya and as we speak, he is behind bars. The law has taken its course and the same will apply to the other two," Garwe stated.