By James Gwati-Chief Chivi, has passed away at the age of 105.

He died on January 1 and has been declared a liberation war hero.

He was laid to rest at his rural home in Maregere Village.
born Tavagwisa Magura on July 15, 1919, in Chivi District, Chief Chivi’s early education was at Nyevedzanai Primary School, where he completed Standard 2.

He went on to work for various organizations, including Shabanie and Mashava Mines, ZINWA, and the Public Works Department.

During the liberation struggle, Chief Chivi became a war collaborator in 1976, operating at Chitonje War Base.

After independence, he continued his commitment to ZANU PF, serving as a district chairman until his installation as Chief Chivi in March 2012.

He is survived by two wives, twelve children, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Chief Chivi’s life story reflects the intersection of traditional authority, liberation war participation, and ZANU PF’s sustained political influence in rural Zimbabwe.

Chiefs in Zimbabwe hold significant sway in rural areas, acting as custodians of tradition while also playing a critical role in local governance.

Under ZANU PF’s rule, traditional leaders have often been co-opted as political allies, leveraging their influence to secure votes and reinforce party dominance in rural strongholds.