Chief Jiba Magwaza voiced deep concern over unemployment, drug abuse and undocumented foreigners during his first official imbizo, held on Sunday at the Shakaskraal Community Hall.

Addressing residents from Nkobongo, Shayamoya and Etete – townships under the Magwaza chieftaincy – Chief Magwaza noted that this was his first opportunity to formally engage with his community since assuming the role after his mother’s death.

He expressed his intention to visit all areas under his leadership moving forward.

“I truly value and appreciate the development taking place along our coastline, it is much needed. However, the high number of unemployed youth in these areas is deeply concerning. How can we have so much development, yet so many people remain without work?

“We also cannot ignore the number of undocumented people in our areas. We must address the issue of people entering and leaving our communities without regulation,” said Chief Magwaza.

During the imbizo, attendees were also given a historical overview of the Magwaza chieftaincy, which was established in the 1890s.

The gathering took an emotional turn when induna Nduli recounted the forced removals of families from their land in Shakaskraal and surrounding areas during the apartheid era.

“It was a brutal time. Tractors would arrive without warning and farmers would begin ploughing around your home. You’d be told to leave everything behind. Your house would then be turned into a compound for farmworkers.

“I witnessed that and it still pains me to this day. I hope that one day, whether I am alive or not, the Magwaza chieftaincy reclaims its land. It was taken in the most inhumane way,” said Nduli.

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