Chief Khayisa Ndiweni was yesterday given a traditional send off by over 1 000 people who braved the chilly weather to bid farewell to Matabeleland’s longest-serving traditional leader.

Chief Ndiweni died at his homestead in Ntabazinduna last Wednesday.

The Ndebele paramount chief was buried at Nhlambabaloyi Cemetery in Ntabazinduna where his casket was carted in an ox-drawn scotch cart from his homestead that is situated about two kilometres from his final resting place.

People from a cross section of society packed the chief’s homestead by 8am and by 11am it was filled to capacity with some people following proceedings from outside the yard.

Almost all the chiefs from Matabeleland region led by President of the Chief’s Council Fortune Charumbira were present.

The chiefs also took turns to be pallbearers as they carried Chief Ndiweni’s brown wooden casket from the homestead to the cart about 500 metres from the homestead.

It was decided that the cart waits at a distance from the homestead because it was feared that the oxen would be sent into a frenzy by the multitudes of people who had come for the burial.

Only a few elderly people and close relatives were allowed to view the body while no one was allowed to take a photograph of the traditional leader’s body.

Proceedings started at about 8am with a church service led by Bishop Cleopas Lunga of the Anglican Church.

Acting President John Landa Nkomo urged everyone to maintain Chief Ndiweni’s vision of nation-building.

"He used to call me to this very homestead and he would raise his concerns with me. In the week of his birthday celebrations, he stood up and approached me to say he was holding a party. However, I could not come because I was committed elsewhere," said Cde Nkomo.

"We had agreed that I would come last Saturday ngizokhukhuza amabhonzo aseleyo. After his death I came and spoke to Umama (Mrs Agnes Ndiweni) and she said the Lord had taken him away.

"She said she had accepted God’s wish and who are we to dispute that."

Cde Nkomo said Chief Ndiweni was one of the first people to fight for the liberation of the country when he attended college with the likes of Dr Joshua Nkomo and Cde Mavava Nkomo among other nationalist leaders.

"We were youngsters then. People would hear him say mfana wami, mnawami ngoba wayeyi ngqwele yami.

"Many people heard him say uRobert Mugabe ngumfana. He would remind him that while President Mugabe was elected into office yena wayeyinduna yomdabu," said Cde Nkomo.

"That is why President Mugabe sent me here to tell the people that we share the loss. I travelled by a helicopter from Harare to bring condolences from his young brother."

Cde Nkomo called on the people to accept Chief Ndiweni’s death and thank God for the many years that he served them.

He said Chief Ndiweni told him that when he dies he wanted his spirit to be free and wished peace for the people of the region.

"He challenged us to remain building the nation and let there be no conflict and if it occurs we should always come to the rescue," said Cde Nkomo.

He added that President Mugabe recognised Chief Ndiweni as committed to doing his job in his elderly age and a custodian of culture.

"The President said he was a chief of chiefs as he knew how to treat people well. He said Chief Ndiweni was rich in mind and his knowledge lived on the lives of Joshua Nkomo, Joseph Msika among others.

"The President said Chief Ndiweni was passionate about development and was a fatherly figure to all the people."

Chief Charumbira said Chief Ndiweni was not only a traditional leader for Matabeleland, but for the country as a whole.

"Chief Khayisa had influence across Zimbabwe. All political parties have sent statements following his death showing that he is a great chief. We are here to bury a great chief," he said.

"He was a rare breed in our institution. He spoke his mind with courage.

"He was involved in developmental issues and was very adamant that you cannot have a chief who is not powerful."

Chief Charumbira paid tribute to the Government for according Chief Ndiweni a State assisted funeral and called for the benefits to be awarded to all traditional leaders.

He said chiefs would continue to fight for power to control land.

Chief Ndiweni’s young brother, Mr Wilson Bancinyane Ndiweni said the traditional leader was behind a number of development projects in the community.

He said Chief Ndiweni also built the house that he lived in, the Anglican Church, Ntabazinduna Hall and classroom blocks at Nhlambabaloyi Secondary School.

"He was a traditionalist, farmer and builder. He stood by his beliefs and was a very respectful man," said Mr Ndiweni.