The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. Daniel Garwe has categorically stated that Zimbabwe’s constitutional framework does not provide for the existence of a monarchy, reinforcing the legal stance that any claims to kingship remain invalid. This position was in response to a question posed by Hon. Discent Bajila, the Member of Parliament for Emakhandeni-Luveve, during a recent parliamentary session held on the 12th of February, who sought clarity on the Government’s position regarding the stalled coronation of Bulelani Lobengula Khumalo as King of the AmaNdebele in 2018.
The Government’s position is rooted in the 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe, which only recognizes traditional leadership in the form of chiefs, headmen, and village heads, as outlined in Section 283. This legal reality was reinforced by the High Court ruling of 2018, which blocked the planned coronation of Bulelani Khumalo on the basis that there was no constitutional provision for a monarch.
However, despite this ruling, the nation has witnessed other self-proclaimed kings attempting to establish traditional authority. In 2019, King Mambo of the Lozwi, born Mike Moyo, was installed in Matabeleland South, an event attended by 121 chiefs. More recently, one Timothy Chiminya, styling himself as King Munhumutapa, sought legal recognition as Zimbabwe’s supreme traditional leader. The Ministry of Local Government opposed his application, and although Chiminya initially obtained a default judgment, the court has since rescinded it.
Minister Garwe was unequivocal in his response: “There is no constitutional provision for kingship in Zimbabwe, and therefore any claims to kingship fall 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.” He further confirmed that Chiminya’s claim has been legally nullified, with the self-styled king now facing legal consequences.
The Government’s opposition to self-declared monarchs remains firm, with Minister Garwe emphasizing that the law applies equally to all. “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,” he stated, referencing both Bulelani Khumalo and Mike Moyo’s past claims.
While some cultural and traditional advocates continue to push for the revival of monarchies, legal experts argue that the current legal framework leaves no room for such aspirations. Constitutional analyst Thobeka Ndlovu commented, “If anyone desires a return to monarchy, the legitimate course of action is through constitutional amendment. This requires lobbying Parliament and securing a democratic mandate for such a change.
“As it stands, Zimbabwe remains a republic, with its governance firmly anchored in the constitutional recognition of chiefs, headmen, and village heads. Any pursuit of a monarchy outside this legal framework remains an exercise in futility.”
