Mberengwa Chief’s Shadow Looms Over Sunken Service Station
A Saga of Power, Progress, and Precious Minerals
Mberengwa, Midlands – Chief Ngungumbane (born Zama Mkwananzi), chairperson of the Midlands provincial chief’s council, faces accusations of impeding rural development. Express Mail Zim has learned he allegedly used his influence to block the construction of a service station in Mberengwa.
Sources claim Ngungumbane directed the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) officer to condemn the project, citing its construction on communal land. Councillor Ms. Khumalo is said to have acted as the conduit for this communication. Chiefs speaking anonymously to Express Mail Zim confirmed hearing Ngungumbane voice opposition to the project during a district meeting.
Former CIO operative Nothiwani Dhlodhlo, the project’s proprietor, accuses Ngungumbane of being the main obstacle. He claims Ngungumbane’s actions stifled job creation and negatively impacted the project, citing a leaked WhatsApp message.
“Negative profiling has taken toll on my project,” Dhlodhlo wrote, referring to reports allegedly used to justify stopping the project. He further alleges an unauthorized site visit by ZANU PF officials and the subsequent theft of a crucial transformer, attributing it to his “detractors.”
Ngungumbane denied the allegations, calling them “falsehoods coming from Mr. Dlodlo” and not new to him or the community. Dhlodhlo declined to elaborate further when contacted.
Adding fuel to the fire, Dhlodhlo also accuses Ngungumbane of colluding with mining companies exploiting Mberengwa’s lithium resources without benefiting the community. Mberengwa remains one of the poorest districts despite its mineral wealth.
President Mnangagwa reportedly warned Ngungumbane to champion development at a recent memorial service for the late national hero, SB Moyo. However, concerns persist about Ngungumbane exceeding his mandate and interfering with the rural district council’s responsibilities.
The accusations against Ngungumbane raise questions about transparency and power dynamics in rural development projects. Further investigation is needed to determine the veracity of the claims and ensure fair progress for Mberengwa’s development.
