Drought a punishment says iNkosi
'Human beings should take the flak for this vicious drought that is killing our thousands of animals and making crops wither in the fields.' - iNkosi Phiwayinkosi Biyela
‘THE severe drought that is ravaging this country and uThungulu district in particular could be attributed to our sins.
‘We are being punished by God, for defying his orders.’
This strong statement was delivered by the Chairperson of Umbele Development Savings Trust, iNkosi Phiwayinkosi Biyela, during the organisation’s year end function held last week in Ngwelezane.
Speaking to the Zululand Observer, iNkosi Biyela said he was saddened to see the rural communities in particular suffering as a result of drought.
‘While we need to do some introspection, the reality is that we as human beings should take the flak for this vicious drought that is killing our thousands of animals and making crops wither in the fields.
‘We have done many wrongs, while ignoring God’s orders. How do you explain the way we kill one another, whether at schools, in the workplace or in the society? ‘There is a total lack of respect among young people. Criminals want rule this country by force, by murdering our police, who should be protecting us.
‘We are being punished as well for having men marrying another men, and women falling for another women.
‘All these are acts of defiance against God, as it had stopped people from obeying scriptural orders to go on and procreate.
‘Such things can not be good in the eyes of the Lord,’ said iNkosi Biyela who is the head of Ubuka Traditional Council.
About Umbele
Speaking at the same function, Umbele’s Coordinator Tom Buthelezi described his organisation as a vehicle aimed at making an intervention in poverty alleviation in rural areas, but said the drought was making it impossible for them to carryout their duties.
‘As Umbele, ours is to enhance rural economic growth by providing opportunities to the rural communities. We do this by training previously disadvantaged communities to become future entrepreneurs.
‘We provide infrastructure for capacity building and also providing scholarships to deserving candidates in the fields of agriculture and engineering as well as promoting cultural tourism.
‘Our main aim is to be a vibrant rural development and change agency that will develop communities in collaboration with AmaKhosi and other recognised rural development structures for a better livelihood.
‘We are concerned about the lives of the nine clans, namely KwaSokhulu, Mambuka, Mpukunyoni, Mhlana, Obizo, Ubuka, Somopho, Mbonambi and KwaBhejane in all spheres.’
The event was also attended by representatives from the Department of Agriculture and Ithala Bank, who are partners with Umbele.
