Government to Officially Install Chief Lukuluba on Friday

Gweru— Government has confirmed the official installation of Chief Lukuluba, born Joseph Sayi, on Friday October 9, 2026, in Somabhula, with authorities describing the event as the formal restoration of the newly resuscitated chieftainship.

Gweru District Development Coordinator Tarisai Mudadigwa confirmed the installation, saying Lukuluba was appointed substantive chief on February 7, 2025.

“On Friday, we are going to witness the official installation of substantive Chief Lukuluba, who was appointed on the 7th of February 2025,” Mudadigwa said.

He said the chief's jurisdiction falls under Vungu Constituency, covering Wards 17, 18 and 15 in the Somabhula area.

“His jurisdiction generally falls under Vungu Constituency, namely Somabhula area, which covers Ward 17, Ward 18 and Ward 15. Those are his three wards,” he said.

Mudadigwa urged residents, farmers and members of the business community to attend the installation, saying the event was significant for the resuscitated chieftainship.

“We are inviting everyone, the farmers from Somabhula, the business community, the community itself and everyone, because we are saying this is a newly resuscitated chieftainship and we will be happy to have a lot of people attending that gathering,” he said.

The installation is part of Government's ongoing process of formalising traditional leadership in areas where appointments have been made but installations are still outstanding.

Mudadigwa said Chief Bunina of Lower Gweru and Chief Gambiza of Chiundura were also awaiting installation, with their dates to be announced in due course.

“For now, we are going to witness the installation of Chief Lukuluba of Somabhula this coming Friday,” he said.

The installation follows the appointment of Lukuluba as substantive chief in February 2025.

His installation will formally place the resuscitated chieftainship under his traditional authority and establish the leadership structure for communities within his jurisdiction.

The development has particular significance for communities with historical links to the Lukhuluba people, including Dorset.

Chief Lukuluba recently addressed more than 800 people at Dorset Secondary School during the school's Speech and Prize Giving Day, where he spoke about his connection to the area.

“Hogo is my home. Dorset is my home. You are my children. For too long you were told you have no Chief. That ends today,” he said.

The Lukhuluba people were historically displaced from their ancestral home in the Hogo area during the colonial period, according to community accounts, with families later resettled in areas including Silobela.

The subsequent establishment of resettlement communities and changes in administrative boundaries left some residents uncertain about their traditional leadership.

Friday's installation is expected to formally address that leadership question within the restored chieftaincy.

Chief Lukuluba has also indicated that his role will extend beyond traditional ceremonies.

During his recent address to the Dorset community, he spoke against child marriage and urged parents to keep children in school.

“Education is the only inheritance we must give our children. A 14-year-old belongs in a classroom, not in a marriage.”

The installation will therefore mark the beginning of Lukuluba's formal tenure over the three wards under his jurisdiction, with residents expected to look to the new traditional leadership to address both customary and community concerns.

For now, however, Government is preparing for Friday's ceremony, which will formally install Chief Lukuluba of Somabhula and mark the resuscitation of the chieftainship.