Chief Ndube Of Insiza Dies At 40, One Of Zimbabwe’s Few Female Traditional Leaders

Chief Ndube of Insiza, born Nonhlanhla Sibanda, has died at the age of 40. She was installed as Chief Ndube in 2007, following the death of her father, Andrew Sibanda, in 2001. Acting Director of Local Government, Jusa Zachariah, confirmed the passing of the traditional leader to ZBC News. Chief Ndube was one of the very few female traditional leaders in Zimbabwe, a role typically passed down from father to son. In cases where a chief has no male heir, the position is traditionally assigned to another male member of the family. According to a report, Ndube was the youngest of five daughters. With no brothers and her older sisters living abroad, the family agreed to pass the chieftaincy to her following her father’s death. However, her uncles opposed the appointment, arguing that a woman could not rule the village and insisting that, as men, one of them should assume the role. Despite her uncles’ objections and the broader taboo surrounding female leadership, the clan leaders eventually approved her ascension. By stepping into the role of chief, Ndube became part of a slow but meaningful shift in challenging entrenched gender roles in rural Zimbabwe. This change began in 1997, when the Ndebele tribe in Matabeleland South appointed its first female chief. At just 23, Sinqobile Mabhena broke new ground when her father, who had no sons, chose her as his successor before his death in 1993. It took another four years before tribal elders agreed to install her. Even then, several chiefs and community leaders boycotted her inauguration ceremony.

6/6/2025 10:18:26 AM

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Chief Ndube Of Insiza Dies At 40, One Of Zimbabwe’s Few Female Traditional Leaders

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