Land the main topic at annual Hhoyi Cultural Celebration
Amid exuberant traditional dances at the annual Hhoyi Cultural Celebration on Saturday, speakers addressed issues of land ownership and economic development in rural villages.
HHOYI – Traditional leaders from the province, KwaZulu-Natal, Mozambique and Swaziland, as well as people from various communities, gathered at the local traditional council on Saturday for the annual culture-filled celebration.
The event is funded by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) to promote cultural activities, the role of traditional leaders and uniting communities.
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Cultural groups like Lutsango, Libutfo, Tintfombi and Emajaha dominated the entertainment in their colourful attire and guests enjoyed traditional African cuisine.
The chairman of the Mpumalanga House of Traditional Leaders, Inkhosi Sandile Ngomane, delivered the keynote address and urged attendees to go back to their roots and cherish their cultures and traditions.
He also touched on issues affecting rural communities in Mpumalanga, such as land invasion.
“Amakhosi are working against the unlawful selling of land, under the Prevention of Illegal Eviction and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act and doing their best to fight this growing issue,” he stated.
Sipho Mahlangu, from the National House of Traditional Leaders, shared the social development models they hope to implement from early next year to assist traditional leaders.
The first is where traditional leaders are requested to donate one million hectares of land to be used for agricultural projects. “Co-ops for farmers and livestock owners with similar mindsets will be initiated,” he stated.
The second model is called United Royalty Kingship holdings, and aims to ensure that everyone in the community plays a part in boosting the economy. It will also help to fund education for community members, as well as project funding for individuals.
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Cogta’s deputy minister, Obed Bapela, told attendees that land in the hands of black people should be utilised wisely while waiting for the rest of the land to be returned to them.
“Young people must study agriculture and science in schools to ensure that when we get back the land, there are skilled people to work it,” he said.
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The executive mayor of the Nkomazi Local Municipality, John Mkhatshwa, expressed his support for initiatives by traditional leaders.
“The traditional authorities contributed so much during the apartheid era, in supporting the African National Congress (ANC). The community must respect traditional leaders, and also protect tradition, so we can move forward as a united black community. Let us work together. With the help of traditional leadership in Mpumalanga, the issues affecting the communities will be fixed,” he concluded.
