Chief Sogwala Dies at 92

By Delicious Mathuthu

Gweru, Vungu - The Midlands Province and the nation at large are in mourning following the death of Chief Mdatshulwa Sogwala, a respected traditional leader from Lower Gwelo.

He passed away peacefully at his homestead early Monday morning, 30 June 2025, at the age of 92, after a brief illness.

He was surrounded by family at the time of his passing, family members said.

Chief Sogwala is survived by his wife, thirteen children and several grandchildren.

His son, Elias Gwizi Sogwala, described the loss as a profound one, leaving a void in the family, the community, and the wider chiefdom.

Leaders from the Midlands Province, including Member of Parliament Honourable Brown Ndlovu, ZANU‑PF Central Committee members Wellington Magura and Bongani Rukanda, and several others, visited the family to offer their condolences.

They encouraged the family to find strength in their faith.

Chief Sogwala was widely regarded as a unifying figure who worked tirelessly to promote harmony and spearhead development in his chiefdom.

During his tenure, the area under his chieftainship saw significant progress including the development of business centres such as Sogwala, Mission, and Makepesi.

He also championed initiatives in education, healthcare and agriculture.

With the support of central government, Chief Sogwala facilitated the development of schools and borehole projects, among other community programmes.

Hon. Ndlovu praised the Chief for fostering strong ties between traditional leadership and civic authorities.

“He maintained a cordial and progressive relationship which greatly benefited the constituency,” the MP said during his condolence visit.

He also said the community remembers Chief Sogwala as a pillar of wisdom, who inspired unity and guided local development.

Mourners are gathering at his homestead in Ward 2, Vungu Constituency, to pay their respects.