Gauteng East TC unveils year plan
Jali also lashed out at what he said was the lack of a value system for black youths, especially those in the urban areas.
Chief Mluleki Jali, an executive member of the Gauteng East Traditional Council (GETC), has outlined details of the body’s year-plan calendar for 2017.
The year-plan, explained Jali, would focus on what he described as the “restoration of traditional heritage and values” aimed at the youth. The projects include urban residents who wish to maintain their links to their traditional values and cultural heritage.
Jali told Kathorus MAIL that it has already established structures which will focus on rallying traditional chiefs around Ekurhuleni to work together with communities, to ensure the projects planned for the year are conveyed to the body’s members spread throughout Gauteng.
“This year-plan has been vetted by the leadership, under the banner of the Gauteng East Traditional Council, in its efforts to promote the importance of our heritage and traditions for our members and those who value their culture,” explained Chief Jali.
He described the events lined up by the body as “crucial for the promotion as well as the development of values, especially among the youth”.
Jali also lashed out at what he said was the lack of a value system for black youths, especially those in the urban areas. He said they have strayed from the “backbone” of the development of black youth.
“Today, we see many families failing dismally to harness and instil proper life guidelines in their children. Hence the rampant use of drug and alcohol abuse by young people,” said Jali.
This year’s annual male and female circumcision initiation ceremonies will be the highlight on April 1.
Some of the other highlights planned by the GETC will include topics about the circumcision initiation ceremony, which include a discussion around the traditional grooming of boys and girls on April 29.
“We are also going to host a ceremony to welcome the initiates back from the circumcision school, which will be held on July 29,” explained Jali.
On August 9, Jali said, the GETC will host a Women’s Day ceremony in honour of women, at the Windmill Park Heritage Site.
On Heritage Day (September 29), the GETC will host a celebration at the Ditsilane Cultural Village in Vosloorus.
On December 10 there will be an Indaba heritage discussion, where a number of high-profile speakers will be invited to host talks on culture and heritage.
“Our aim is to bring back the culture of discussing family values in a bid to harness important aspects of Ubuntu among families at home,” Jali said.
