Abstruse parity traditional leadership appointments in the aftermath of the land reform in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This article explores the emergence of abstruse traditional leadership as a result of the land reform process in Zimbabwe. It is widely acknowledged  that traditional leadership in Africa in general, and Zimbabwe in particular is appointed using customary rubrics and indigenous knowledge systems. Traditional leadership in Zimbabwe is legally recognized by the Constitution of Zimbabwe. The researchers purposively selected ten  traditional leaders in Masvingo district to participate in the study. Data was generated through narrative interviews with the traditional leaders. The article established that the land reform process led to the emergence of an abstruse traditional leadership. The abstruse traditional leadership was not appointed following indigenous knowledge systems and customary rules of succession. Essentially, abstruse traditional leadership departs from
indigenous knowledge systems because of a number of ambiguities. The researchers established ambiguities which include: abstruse traditional leadership was elected instead of being hereditary; abstruse traditional leadership lacks metaphysical links with the land as well as acrimony between chiefs and village heads among others.

Keywords: Abstruse traditional leadership, Village heads, land reform, Masvingo, Zimbabwe.