In a landmark judgment that closes a tumultuous chapter in the succession dispute of the Mabhikwa chieftainship, the Bulawayo High Court has delivered a decisive victory to the Khumalo family. The ruling, handed down by Justice Dube, affirmed the family’s long-standing position that the appointment of Zanele Khumalo as Regent Chief was irregular, culturally flawed, and imposed without proper consultation. After months of emotional strain, internal tension, and legal uncertainty, the Khumalo family finally received the outcome they had been fighting for.
The dispute traces back to 2022, following the death of Chief Vusumuzi Khumalo, whose passing left his nine-year-old son, Wayne Makhosemvelo Khumalo, as the heir to the Mabhikwa throne. In the aftermath, government authorities appointed Zanele Khumalo to serve as regent on behalf of the young heir. The decision immediately sparked outrage within the family, which argued that the appointment had been made unilaterally, sidestepping established lineage procedures and disregarding the elders tasked with safeguarding cultural norms. They contended that the succession process—rooted in generations of tradition—had been interfered with in a manner that undermined the integrity of the chieftainship.
High Court Ruling a Win for Khumalo Family After Removal of Regent Chief Zanele Khumalo
These grievances were formalised in their court challenge under case number HCBC 217/25. The case drew in the Minister of Local Government, the National Council of Chiefs, provincial chiefs, and senior officials involved in the administrative oversight of traditional leadership. Tensions heightened when a letter from the Registrar, dated 5 November 2025, postponed the matter due to the assigned judge’s indisposition, leaving the family anxious and uncertain about when their concerns would finally be heard.That long wait ended today.
Justice Dube ruled in favour of the applicants, led by John Mabhikwa Khumalo and supported by 32 members of the Khumalo lineage. The judgment effectively nullifies the contested appointment of Zanele Khumalo, restoring the authority of the family to select a regent in accordance with its customs. In doing so, the court underscored a critical legal and cultural principle: while the state plays an administrative role in traditional leadership structures, the core responsibility for succession rests with the family and its customary mechanisms.
The atmosphere in Court B was thick with emotion as the ruling was delivered. Many family members had travelled from Lupane—some elderly, some frail, all hopeful. When Justice Dube concluded the judgment, the courtroom remained quiet, but the relief was unmistakable. Family members exchanged subdued smiles and sighs, reflecting the weight of a struggle that had left many feeling ignored and disrespected. Their journey had been one of persistence against what they viewed as an attempt to override their cultural autonomy.
Outside the courtroom, a senior member of the family summarised the mood plainly but powerfully: “Today the High Court corrected a wrong. They tried to impose someone on us, but our customs are clear. We are grateful that justice has recognised what our elders have always said.” His words captured both the victory and the broader message the ruling sends to institutions involved in traditional matters.
Legal experts observing the case say the judgment carries significant implications. For years, concerns have been raised about government involvement in traditional leadership disputes, with accusations that administrative bodies sometimes overstep their mandate. By ruling in favour of the Khumalo family, the High Court has reinforced the authority of customary law and affirmed that cultural processes carry legitimate legal weight. The ruling serves as a reminder that traditional practices are not symbolic remnants of the past—they remain active systems of governance rooted in identity, heritage, and community agency.
For young Wayne, the rightful heir to the Mabhikwa chieftainship, the decision helps secure his future. With the regency now expected to be appointed by his own family according to custom, he is set to inherit a throne free from the political disputes that have overshadowed the last three years. His leadership journey will now be shaped by those who understand his lineage, his responsibilities, and the cultural significance of the role he is destined to assume.
Today’s ruling will likely be remembered not only as a victory for the Khumalo family, but as a reaffirmation of the importance of respecting traditional institutions across the country. It highlights the need for careful, culturally sensitive engagement between state authorities and communities when dealing with heritage structures. Above all, it stands as a reminder that customs and identity cannot be diluted or overridden by administrative convenience.
In Court B of the Bulawayo High Court, justice and cultural tradition finally aligned, bringing an emotional and hard-fought journey to a triumphant close.
Source- Byo24
