The culmination of this year’s Umkhosi wemmemo waKaMatsamo on Saturday November 4 has reignited hope among the community of Matsamo and inspired confidence in the leadership of the royal family and the royal council.

This cultural event was held at the Royal Kraal, KalaNgwane in Embhojeni (Jeppes Reef). It was attended by various stakeholders, including big businesses, SMMEs, members of the Kingdom of eSwatini’s and Matsamo’s royal families, members of development finance institutes, the leadership of other traditional councils and royal families, government leaders, various departments, members of the general Matsamo community and the media.

Addressing the over 28 000-strong crowd, the acting chief of the Matsamo Traditional Council, HRH MM Shongwe used the opportunity to caution against land grabbing as this hampers service delivery and development.
Shongwe also warned the Matsamo people to respect the rule of law and one another.

“You must learn to respect the law and how it works. Refrain from invading and taking land by force. There are relevant doors if people need land. Land grabbing is against the law and it is wrong,” said the acting chief.

He also used this platform to congratulate the Springboks for being crowned world champs. The acting chief invited government and business to join hands with the community in pursuit of the advancement of its interests and ambitions as championed by the two institutions, the royal family and the traditional council.

The traditional council is on a drive to build key infrastructure and launch capital projects to advance economic growth, create jobs and preserve and promote heritage.

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The Matsamo Traditional Council and the royal family also used the opportunity to officially unveil Phahlane AgriSolutions as its official implementing agent, tasked with mobilising resources, driving investment, managing key projects and assisting the organisation with other projects, including in an advisory role.
Mbuso Thumbathi, the co-CEO of Phahlane AgriSolutions, was also announced as an official spokesperson of the royal family and the traditional council, negotiator and adviser in chief.
Phahlane AgriSolutions is a professional and consulting company that focuses on agriculture, forestry, land development and advisory services.

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Thumbathi is a farmer, business executive and land activist. He has advanced through the ranks as a young journalist, university researcher, communicator and adviser.

“I am grateful to be working the land here at home. I am humbled by the decision of the collective. My first project will be to assist repositioning the two houses to optimise performance so they may discharge their duties effectively, build the much-needed infrastructure and reconnect our municipality and province to the world,” explained Thumbathi.