Donation to Amakhosi to activate rural economy

In less then two months, the KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs’ (Cogta) MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has handed over new vehicles to chairpersons and their deputies in the Local Houses of Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership across the province.

Last Tuesday, Buthelezi was at Nkanini Sports Complex in Umzumbe to hand over Local Economic Development assets – catering equipment, mobile fridges, marquees and chairs – to 42 Amakhosi and Ondlunkulu (wives).

Buthelezi added that this initiative is a strategic move to Amakhosi towards financial self-sufficiency, enabling them to host events and launch small businesses that create rural employment.

He added that this programme is a direct investment in the dignity of Amakhosi.

“Our mandate is to ensure that Amakhosi are not merely ceremonial figures, but active drivers of the rural economy.”

He also announced that the department will hand over 36 additional vehicles in June to ensure Amakhosi possess the necessary mobility to fulfil their administrative and developmental duties.

The chairperson of Amakhosi in Ugu, Inkosi Mbuso Ngcobo, said the handover has brought joy because it will bring dignity to their families and chase away poverty.

“This will not only help us and our families, but our people as well. We applaud this initiative, and we heard that the MEC will be doing the same in other districts.”

Ngcobo said that Amakhosi can even open catering businesses with the donated items. Also at events, they will be able to use the equipment, instead of sourcing out.

The chairperson of Ondlunkulu in Ugu, Nomusa Xolo, Inkosi Mxolisi Xolo’s wife said that she is excited as Ugu is the third district to receive the items as promised by the MEC.

“Poverty will be a thing of the past, these will help sustain us and we will never go hungry.”

This Ugu rollout follows similar interventions in Umkhanyakude and iLembe districts.

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