Fortune Charumbira bounces back into Chiefs’ Council as Deputy President

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Senator Chief Fortune Charumbira has bounced back as a legislator after his unopposed election as Deputy President of the Chiefs’ Council today in Bulawayo in polls conducted by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).

After displaying leadership acumen as both the President of the Chiefs’ Council and the Pan African Parliament (PAP), the National Chiefs’ Council convened in Bulawayo and was unanimous in allowing Chief Charumbira to continue his responsibilities in transforming local and continental Parliaments.

The traditional leaders reached a consensus to allow Chief Charumbira to maintain his seat in the senate while devoting more time to the affairs of the Pan-African Parliament. Observers said the decision underscores Chief Charumbira’s commitment to representing not only Zimbabwe but the entire African continent on the global stage.

Chief Khumalo of Matabeleland North who is the new President of the Chiefs’ Council, as well as other principal chiefs, Chief Chundu and Chief Siansali, expressed their unwavering support for Chief Charumbira’s continued leadership journey. Chiefs President Nkumalo has emphasized his strong working relationship with Chief Charumbira and a shared vision for the growth and evolution of the traditional leadership institution.

Chief Charumbira’s consistent and impactful contributions to the advancement of the traditional leadership institution have solidified his stature as a revered leader, prompting his fellow chiefs to endorse his continued service in both local and international arenas. The announcement follows a strategic move by Chief Charumbira, who earlier declared that he would not seek re-election as the National Chiefs’ Council president. Instead, he proposed Chief Mtshane Khumalo as his successor, a proposal that was met with unanimous approval from the council.

For Chief Charumbira to retain his role as a senator and, subsequently, his presidency of the Pan-African Parliament, two paths lay ahead. He would either assume a position within the National Chiefs’ Council presidium, which automatically grants membership in Parliament, or secure one of the 16 senatorial positions, elected by chiefs from Zimbabwe’s eight non-metropolitan provinces.

SOURCE: AISG News