Social Media Cashes In On Chiefs’ Courts — Leaders Urged To Demand Share

Content creators are making money from chiefs’ court proceedings without sharing the revenue, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe warned in Mutare, urging traditional leaders to demand their share.

Garwe, represented by Deputy Minister Albert Mavhunga, made the remarks on Saturday while officially opening the Manicaland Chiefs Assembly indaba.

He said chiefs must be aware that their courts have become a source of lucrative online content, with creators filming and posting proceedings that attract large audiences and generate income.

He urged traditional leaders to consider formal arrangements to ensure value returns to their institutions.

“I have seen a lot of videos and images taken at chiefs’ courts. These videos and images are all over social media platforms, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and so on. It is not all about creating excitement and fun.

“The content creators are making money out of that content taken from chiefs’ court sessions. I am saying this because I am not sure if you chiefs are aware of this. I am also saying it so that you know there is also somewhere you should be paid but you are not being paid,” Garwe said.

The remarks highlight growing concern that chiefs are not compensated despite their courts becoming popular sources of human‑interest stories online.

Garwe’s comments suggest traditional leaders could introduce levies or clear guidelines for coverage to ensure communities benefit from the digital economy.

He said structured access would protect decorum and help chiefs manage rising media interest.

In his welcome address, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, urged communities to uphold respect for traditional leaders.

He emphasised that chiefs remain custodians of culture and justice, and their authority must be recognised even as technology reshapes how their work is consumed.

Mugadza said respect and orderly coverage can coexist with public interest.

The proposal is expected to spark debate on how customary courts balance transparency, cultural dignity, and financial sustainability.

Observers say clear policies on filming, accreditation, and revenue‑sharing could protect chiefs’ institutions while acknowledging the realities of modern media.

Chiefs’ assemblies may explore standard fees and consent protocols to safeguard integrity while engaging the digital economy.