Tourism Minister Rwodzi under-fire as Chirumanzu royal family breaks silence

GWERU – The Minister of Environment and Tourism, Barbara Rwodzi, who is also the MP for Chirumanzu South, is facing mounting criticism following allegations raised in a public open letter concerning her conduct in an ongoing dispute over the Chirumanzu chieftainship.

In the open letter issued by members of the Simba Royal Family, one of the two recognised royal houses of Chirumanzu, the minister is accused of leading what they describe as a sustained smear campaign against Chief Chirumanzu Mhazi Abraham Marufu Nyamandi.

The family alleged that Rwodzi has publicly portrayed the chief as an opposition political activist, a claim they strongly reject.

The Simba Royal Family, from which the current Chief Chirumanzu originates, stated that the allegations are malicious, baseless and damaging to both the personal standing of the chief and the institution of traditional leadership.

They emphasised that Chief Nyamandi has a long history of public service, including participation in the liberation struggle, and argue that accusations of partisan political activity undermine his legacy and authority.

“We take exception at the continued malicious allegations against our Chief by the MP, in particular branding the Chief as an opposition activist. These baseless allegations are not only malicious but extremely damaging to the standing of our Chief and the Chieftainship.

“The Chief is a man with an impeccable record dating back from the time he participated in the Chimurenga war. We have attached herewith his biography for further details about him.

“The Chirumanzu Chieftainship itself has a storied history of support for the liberation struggle and the ruling party from the struggle against white minority rule by Chief Jumo in 1912 throughout the reign of subsequent chiefs to Chief Jaravaza at independence and further to the reign of our iconic President H.E. President E. D. Mnangagwa as Chirumanzu Zibagwe M.P,” read part of the letter.

The open letter further warned that public attacks on a sitting chief risked polarising the community and eroding respect for customary governance structures.

It argued that disputes relating to chieftainship should be handled through established cultural and legal processes rather than through public political platforms.

The family has expressed disappointment that, despite the installation of the substantive Chief expected to bring harmony, divisive campaigns and smear tactics continued to create unrest.

It urged both the Chief and Rwodzi to engage in sincere and inclusive dialogue to end this “artificial war” and focus on the real needs of the people of Chirumanzu.

The Simba Family affirmed its readiness to use its nearly 200 years of experience in guiding the region to help facilitate a peaceful resolution.

Efforts to obtain a comment from Rwodzi were unsuccessful as she did not respond to written inquiry.