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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 43300, member: 636"]
A top Zanu PF official told the new Chief Nyamandi that he must join the ruling party. Lovemore Matuke serves as the party's security secretary and made these comments during a recent ceremony. He said all eleven chiefs from Gutu already belong to Zanu PF and expect Nyamandi to follow suit. The official warned the new chief about supporting any other political groups. Matuke stressed that President Emmerson Mnangagwa leads their movement and expects loyalty from traditional leaders.

Zimbabwe's constitution actually forbids chiefs from joining political parties. Traditional leaders must stay neutral and cannot take sides during elections or political campaigns. Matuke's public statements directly violate these constitutional rules. Legal experts say his comments put Chief Nyamandi in a difficult position. The new chief faces pressure to break the law or risk facing consequences from ruling party officials.

Matuke revealed that he helped create the chieftainship through personal connections. The late Vice President Simon Muzenda wanted to honor his uncle and asked for the headman's promotion to chief status. Matuke also pushed for another headman's upgrade to help his ethnic group called the vaHera. Both men used their political power to benefit their relatives and allies. The security secretary admitted that family ties and favoritism drove these decisions rather than traditional qualifications.
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