Peace could be on the horizon for Maniini. The village was recently rocked by allegations of corruption and the misuse of funds, levelled against the local civic leadership and traditional leadership.

It is alleged that thousands of rands in contributions by the residents were embezzled by the civic in collusion with the local traditional leadership.

There were also divisions in the village, with some residents claiming that the civic structure was imposing itself on the residents to enrich themselves.

At the weekend, the whole village came together and elected a new civic structure. The election process was overseen by a delegation from Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli, the senior traditional leader of the area, who could not be present.

Addressing the community, Chief Ntikedzeni Muraga -Mphaphuli urged the community to be united and to work together for the sake of peace and development in the village. "We hope most of the issues raised could be better dealt with by the people of Maniini themselves. We need peace here and we know it is possible if all concerned commit themselves," he said.

The newly elected civic chairperson, Alfred Mugwari, said he was prepared to carry the mandate entrusted to him and his committee by the community.

"We are here as instruments of development and we know that, despite the challenges we had in the village, we are ready to move on and work together for the development of our area,” he said.

The other members of the committee are Sharon Nedzamba (vice-chairperson), John Liphadzi (secretary) , Emmanuel Ndou (vice-secretary) and Maanda Nembaleni (treasurer). The additional members are Robert Ramakuela, Humbulani Mulovhedzi, Mushaisano Muvhango, Ralinala, Samson Masia and Ndateni Madoba.