Triumphant Chief Charumbira Rides the Tide of Overwhelming Chiefs’ Endorsement, Seals Fate as Pan-African Parliament President!

In a resounding display of trust and respect, Chief Fortune Charumbira has been voted back into the Parliament of Zimbabwe’s Senate, retaining his position as President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP). The former National Chiefs’ Council president, who  held the dual role of leading both the traditional leadership institution and the Pan-African Parliament, garnered overwhelming support from fellow chiefs in an unopposed election conducted by The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) on Thursday morning in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

The National Chiefs’ Council convened in Bulawayo today to deliberate on Chief Charumbira’s future role and responsibilities. A consensus was reached to position Chief Charumbira appropriately, allowing him to maintain his seat in the senate while devoting more time to the affairs of the Pan-African Parliament. This decision underscores Chief Charumbira’s commitment to representing not only Zimbabwe but the entire African continent on the global stage.

Chief Mtshane Khumalo of Matabeleland North who is the new President of the NCC, as well as other principal chiefs, Chief Chundu and Chief Siansali, have all expressed their unwavering support for Chief Charumbira’s continued leadership journey. Chiefs President Nkumalo has emphasized his strong working relationship with Chief Charumbira and a shared vision for the growth and evolution of the traditional leadership institution.

Chief Charumbira’s consistent and impactful contributions to the advancement of the traditional leadership institution have solidified his stature as a revered leader, prompting his fellow chiefs to endorse his continued service in both local and international arenas. The announcement follows a strategic move by Chief Charumbira, who earlier declared that he would not seek re-election as the National Chiefs’ Council president. Instead, he proposed Chief Mtshane Khumalo as his successor, a proposal that was met with unanimous approval from the council.

For Chief Charumbira to retain his role as a senator and, subsequently, his presidency of the Pan-African Parliament, two paths lay ahead. He would either assume a position within the National Chiefs’ Council presidium, which automatically grants membership in Parliament, or secure one of the 16 senatorial positions, elected by chiefs from Zimbabwe’s eight non-metropolitan provinces.