Keynote address by Mpumalanga MEC for Cogta, Hon. R.M Mtshweni during the inauguration of Hosi Mnisi of the Mnisi Traditional Council
Chairperson of the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders, Kgosi Mokoena,
Deputy Chairperson of the House, Inkhosi Ngomane Members Of The Executive of the House,
Amakhosi/Makgoshi in our midst,
Members of the Mnisi Royal Family,
The Executive Mayor of the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, Hon. Khumalo,
Esteemed Local Councillors of the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality,
Represantatives from the Mozambican Government,
Senior Managers of our provincial government and the local municipality,
Avuxeni! (Good Morning).
Programme Director, we are here today to witness the community of Islington and the surrounding areas embracing their own King, Hosi Mnisi. We are here to witness Hosi Mnisi as he takes over the reins to lead his nation.
The Mnisi nation has a rich history of respecting the authority of the King on the throne. The prevalence of peace and tranquility in the 11 villages under the Mnisi Tribal Council, is testimony to this. This is due to the message of peace which the late Hosi Mnisi preached whenever the nation experienced challenges. We hope you will continue to respect the authority of Hosi Mnisi, a rightful heir-to-the throne.
We are aware of the bad state of the roads, lack of adequate water supply and rhino poaching in this area. Lack of job opportunities is a matter of concern, especially for the youth. We are working with the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, under the leadership of the Executive Mayor, Cllr Khumalo and the local councillors, to attend to these challenges. The institution of traditional leadership is key to the success of these efforts.
The inauguration of Hosi Mnisi today, will assist us to forge a working partnership as we confront these challenges. We will depend on his wisdom to address these challenges. We look forward to work with him closely as we did with Hosi Mnisi (Senior) who travelled to all the 11 villages, from Acornhoek to Manyeleti, Islington to Ludnow, Burlington to Andover, Clare A to Clare B, to address people on these challenges.
It has been 9 years Programme Director, since the Manyeleti land claim was approved. We are aware of some challenges in the finalization of the claim due to some disagreements amongst the claimants.
We are aware that the Land Claims Commissioner in Mpumalanga is expected to give feedback regarding the outcome of the claim. We appeal for co-operation so that the Manyeleti claim can be finalized and concluded without further delay. It may be premature to commend the Manyeleti Trust, led by Mr Johan Ndlovu as Chairperson, for a job well done. More still need to be done! We appeal to all the claimants and the leadership of the trust to work closer for the finalization of the claim.
Programme Director, the initiation season is underway. We are aware that a number of initiation schools are operating in this area, where in young boys are initiated into adulthood in line with our old traditional practice.
In other areas of our Province, parents release the young boys to the school operators with the hope to take them through the traditional process, only to lose them. A number of families are heart-broken, for losing their loved ones. Some of the initiation schools have become a death-knell.
Working together with the House of Traditional Leaders, and all Makgoshi, we have adopted a zero-tolerance this year. Over the years, school owners who contributed to the death of our young boys, got away with blood dripping in their hands. Despite this they continue to do the practice.
But this will never happen again. The Hon. Premier, DD Mabuza, has promulgated the Ingoma Act of 2011 for the arrest and prosecution of people who operate the schools illegally. We commend the local community here that their conduct with regard to the practice has not led to any loss of lives. We will depend on Hosi Mnisi to help his nation to maintain the standard and to uphold the legislation.
Furthermore, we appeal to all Makgoshi to monitor the schools and report non-compliant of the act to the police. We have closed down some illegal schools with the help of the police. The owners have been arrested and will face the full might of the law for non- compliant. We appeal to the parents to ensure that their children are in good health before releasing them to the schools.
Programme Director, as Hosi Mnisi ascend to the throne, we commit ourselves as the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, mandated to support Makgoshi, to provide him with the necessary support. Ndabezitha, you can count on us for support not only for your authority, but for improving the living condition of your people. We assure you of our co-operation at all times.
We appeal to your nation to do the same. The certificate of recognition which shall be conferred to you today, recognises the legitimacy of your authority over this nation, as signed by the Hon. Premier, DD Mabuza. Just like Kgosi Mokoena, we also proclaim: “One Hosi, one certificate!
Inkomu! (Thank you)
