The young Chief Marupi, who passed away at the age of 28 in Harare after a brief illness, was laid to rest on Wednesday at his ancestral homestead in Selonga, Gwanda South. Surrounded by family, friends, and community leaders, his final resting place lies beside his father, the late Lawrence Nare, whom he succeeded as chief a decade ago.
A Sudden Passing and Reflection on Leadership
Chief Marupi died on October 20 while receiving treatment at Healthpoint Hospital. His passing shocked the community, as he was still a young leader dedicated to advancing his people’s welfare and upholding cultural traditions. Chief Marupi was known for his commitment to his role, which he assumed officially in 2014 at the age of 18, following his appointment as a minor in 2011 after his father’s death in 2008.
Government Pays Tribute to Chief Marupi’s Legacy
During the funeral, prominent government officials attended to honor Chief Marupi’s contributions, including Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, who expressed condolences on behalf of the Zimbabwean government. Chief Tshitaudze, chairperson of the Matabeleland South Provincial Chiefs’ Council, delivered Garwe’s message, emphasizing Chief Marupi’s positive impact on his district.
Garwe stated:
“The district has remained poorer without Chief Marupi. The family is encouraged to remain united in such trying times. Hold on to the values of your clan and forge ahead with life and your chieftainship. Government greatly respects and attaches great importance to the institution of chiefs, not only as custodians of our traditional and cultural values but also as influential development actors.”
Chief Marupi’s influence extended beyond his community, as he was actively involved in local governance and development initiatives, demonstrating the government’s trust in traditional leaders as important partners in societal development.
Cultural Significance of Succession and Continuity
The event also highlighted the traditional values of leadership and succession, as shared by Chief Mtshane Khumalo, President of the Chiefs Council and the chief mourner. In his tribute, Chief Khumalo underscored the importance of following cultural guidelines for succession to avoid potential conflicts within the community and family.
Chief Khumalo noted:
“We have suffered a huge loss as the chiefs’ fraternity and we mourn together with the family and the community. We hope as the Marupi family you won’t be caught up in conflicts over the chieftaincy. Let’s look deeply into the set cultural guidelines of succession as they exist.”
He urged both family members and the wider community to support the Marupi family as they navigate the transition, warning against divisive influences that could disrupt the peace and harmony Chief Marupi worked to preserve.
The Journey of a Young Leader
In addition to Garwe and Khumalo’s remarks, Chief Tshitaudze, a close friend of Chief Marupi and the leader of the Woodstock chapter, offered heartfelt reflections on the chief’s journey. Having assumed leadership at a young age, Chief Marupi was viewed as a role model for other young leaders. Chief Tshitaudze, who took office in 2013, shared how Marupi’s early leadership provided him with a source of strength and camaraderie, especially given their close age and shared experiences.
Reflecting on their friendship, Tshitaudze said:
“I was close to the late Chief Marupi and we worked well together. I found it easy to relate with him as he was my age mate. When I became chief in 2013, I got courage and strength in the fact that I wasn’t the only young chief as there was Chief Marupi and other young chiefs.”
His tribute captured Chief Marupi’s enduring spirit and the inspiration he provided to fellow young leaders, balancing modern leadership challenges with a deep respect for traditional responsibilities.
Honoring the Chief’s Legacy and Future Support
Chief Marupi is survived by his wife, Rorisang Tlou, who, along with his family and the community, is encouraged to uphold his legacy of unity and cultural pride. His funeral was not only a time to mourn his passing but also to celebrate his achievements and dedication to his people. The government, represented by officials like Minister Garwe, reaffirmed its support for traditional leaders and its commitment to the continuity of Zimbabwe’s cultural institutions.
Chief Marupi’s life and service to his people have left an indelible mark on Gwanda South, ensuring that his memory will be cherished for years to come. His legacy, rooted in both youthful dynamism and deep cultural respect, exemplifies the role of traditional leaders in shaping the future while honoring the past.
