Chiefs Stranded Outside Rainbow Towers After Stipend Delay

Traditional chiefs were left stranded outside Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare after delays in government stipends promised at their annual conference (image source)

Harare — A delegation of traditional chiefs was left stranded outside Rainbow Towers Hotel this week after hotel staff denied them re-entry, saying their rooms had already been formally checked out. The incident occurred as the chiefs awaited government stipends promised by President Emmerson Mnangagwa during their annual conference, exposing strains between rural leadership structures and a fiscally constrained state.

The chiefs had been accommodated at the five-star hotel while waiting for disbursement of support packages. According to witnesses, the funds did not arrive as scheduled, leaving several delegates unable to settle accommodation arrangements once checkout time elapsed. Hotel security subsequently refused re-admission, citing standard procedures. Video footage and eyewitness accounts showed groups of chiefs outside the hotel entrance with their luggage, visibly distressed and uncertain of their next steps.

One chief, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said colleagues from provinces where stipends had already been released were able to depart, while others remained stranded. “We were told the funds were imminent after assurances were made. Now we have nowhere to go,” he said. Another chief described the episode as humiliating, saying they were told they were disturbing guests when they tried to rest in waiting and restaurant areas. “We are leaders of communities, yet we were treated like vagrants,” he said.

The incident has drawn attention to broader fiscal pressures facing government. Budget constraints and delayed fund releases have affected multiple ministries, and traditional leaders have increasingly raised concerns over irregular payments and logistical shortcomings. Analysts say that public commitments on allowances and support must be underpinned by secured funding and reliable disbursement systems to prevent reputational damage and erosion of trust.

Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG), which owns Rainbow Towers, confirmed that the matter was resolved following intervention by the Ministry of Local Government. RTG spokesperson Pride Khumbula said the ministry instructed the hotel to rebook the chiefs for an additional night while payment processes were finalised. “The issues have since been resolved, and the chiefs were also provided with lunch,” Khumbula said, adding that the delegates had initially been booked at different hotels but were directed to gather at Rainbow Towers to receive their stipends collectively.

The episode has prompted calls for clearer protocols when state events involve large delegations. Observers urged advance coordination of payment logistics, wider use of electronic transfers, and contingency plans for accommodation and transport. Traditional leaders and civic groups also called for improved communication to avoid situations where delegates are left in limbo due to administrative delays.

Local government officials said measures are being considered to strengthen planning for future conferences, including pre-event verification of beneficiary lists and on-site payment facilities. Chiefs affected by the incident have called for a formal apology and assurances that similar occurrences will not be repeated.