Communities around Inkosi Mzikubola in Mzimba have accused the government of deliberately delaying the installation of Masabani Jere as Inkosi Mzikubola IV, despite the resolution of court cases that had overshadowed the throne.

Speaking on behalf of over 100 traditional leaders on Thursday, GVH Simeon Sibande expressed their frustration with the government's inaction, highlighting that the area has been without an Inkosi for 24 years.

"We have waited for 24 years for the installation of Masabani Jere as Inkosi Mzikubola. We are now urgently calling on the government to install him because he is the rightful heir to the throne," said GVH Sibande.

Sibande mentioned that in late 2018, the government proposed a date for the installation ceremony of Masabani Jere, but this has yet to happen.

"There were court cases regarding the throne between Masabani Jere and Khetwayo Jere, but these have been resolved in favor of Masabani Jere. We are baffled as to why the government continues to delay his installation," added GVH Sibande.

Echoing similar sentiments, Chancy Nkhoswe, a former chairperson for Mzikubola ADC, emphasized that the absence of an Inkosi has hindered the area's development, as they lack representation in full council meetings.

"Because Mr. Masabani Jere has not been installed as Inkosi Mzikubola, we are deprived of development in this area. We have no chief to represent us in full council meetings, where development projects are allocated," said Nkhoswe.

Nkhoswe cited the lack of electricity, access to clean water, and the long distances to schools and health facilities as some of the problems they face due to the absence of a Traditional Authority at full council meetings.

However, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Local Government, Anjoya Mwanza, assured that the government would soon install several traditional authorities, including the heir to the Inkosi Mzikubola throne.

"Currently, we have a number of chiefs to be installed in many districts across the country. We are working on a schedule for the Minister to preside over the installations, and be assured that Mzikubola chieftaincy is on the program," said Mwanza.

Documents indicate that the government has repeatedly chosen dates to install Masabani Jere as Inkosi Mzikubola, but these dates have not materialized. The wrangles over the chieftaincy date back to 2000, following the death of Inkosi Mzikubola III, Masabani Jere's father.