Hosi Mnisi ascends the throne of the Mnisi Traditional Council
Hosi Magwagwaza Mnisi has been inaugurated as the Chief of the Mnisi Traditional Council in Hluvhukani, Bushbuckridge Municipality. He succeeded the late Hosi Phillip Mnisi who passed away two years ago. The function to mark his inauguration was attended by MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in Mpumalanga, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni, traditional leaders, Bushbuckridge Executive Mayor, Cllr Renius Khumalo, legal practitioners and the local community.
MEC Mtshweni committed the department to support Hosi Mnisi in her speech. “We commit ourselves as the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, mandated to support the institution of traditional leaders, to provide you with the necessary support. You can count on us for support, not only for your authority, but for improving the living conditions of your people. We assure you of our co-operation at all times,” she said.
MEC Mtshweni further appealed to Hosi Mnisi to contribute to government’s efforts to prevent the loss of lives in the initiation schools. “This year we have adopted a zero-tolerance towards the loss of lives in the initiation schools. The promulgation of the Ingoma Act of 2011 will serve as a catalyst to prevent a further loss of lives. The effectiveness of the act hinges on the role of traditional leaders to deal with people who operate illegal initiation schools. We appeal for your assistance in ensuring that initiation schools in this area comply with the act,” MEC Mtshweni said.
MEC Mtshweni said four illegal initiation schools have been closed down since the start of the winter season and the owners have been arrested. She added that the initiation of young boys into adulthood should be death free. “A number of parents are heart-broken after allowing their children to go the initiation schools, only to loose them. We do not want this to happen again. With your support, we can stop it,” MEC Mtshweni urged.
Hosi Mnisi committed himself to work closely with government to improve the lives of people in his area. “Lack of water remains the biggest challenge in this day and age in this areas. I would like to invite the Executive Mayor, Cllr Khumalo to visit us and discuss a plan to improve the lives of our people here. You still come across people travelling long distances to fetch water. I appeal to the government to assist us in this regard,” Hosi Mnisi urged.
Hosi Mnisi is the second Chief in Mpumalanga to be inaugurated this year after Ikosi Bongani Mahlangu of the Ndzundza-Somphalali of Kwaggafontein.
Enquiries:
Mr George Mthethwa
Tel: 013 766 6572
Cell: 083 302 2774
E-mail: gpmthethwa@mpg.gov.za
