The inauguration ceremony was held on Saturday, March 18, in Vosloorus, Extension 20.
It attracted scores of traditionalists from various parts of Kathorus, Soweto and the Far East Rand. Ndzulu accepted his new post as Chief Mluleki Jali’s right-hand man in the region.
The chief’s new induna immediately nominated a number of local residents who will act as his “council” or administrative committee. They will help him implement the GETC’s community programmes in his constituency.
Speaking to Kathorus MAIL soon after his inauguration, 57-year-old Induna Ndzulu and his committee head, Alfred Gabuza, outlined their plans.
The will be involving the broader community in the area in the fight against “destructive elements”, such as drugs, alcoholism, prostitution, teenage pregnancy, homelessness, poverty and child-headed families.
Ndzulu and his team of elders listed their task as part of the GETC’s plans to restore traditions in communities where there is a total disregard for the concept of ubuntu.
“The aim is to nurture communities back to the value system of our traditional customs,” said Ndzulu.
Ndzulu is also a senior security officer for a leading firm in Gauteng.
According to Ndzulu, as much as GETC respects and abides by the legal institutions of the country, he still strongly believes that the traditional core values of love for one another and respect for both family and state laws need to be revived, to curb the downward spiral of law and order in the country.
“Look at what is happening to our youth and the way most of them abuse drugs. No nation can survive unless its youth is taught the values of life and self-respect,” said Ndzulu.
Ndzulu said his role as the local induna would be to assist people of different tribes around his area to understand and respect traditional values.
He also explained the importance of grooming and educating the youth about the importance of living a clean, crime-free and drug-free life. “Young people should understand that there’s a life after adolescence,” Ndzulu said.
His committee head, Alfred Gabuza, outlined the priorities for Extension 20.
“We have a serious problem of drug and alcohol abuse in this area. One of the most concerning issues is the blatant abuse of the drug nyaope among both teenage and older boys and girls,” said Gabuza.
Both Ndzulu and Gabuza vehemently rejected the notion that they were installing themselves as an alternative to the government.
“Our role is not to duplicate or take over the government or the municipality’s’ role of running the townships in the province, but as traditional leaders, we have a responsibility towards assisting the authorities fight many of the social ills that affect our people,” they explained.
Dzulu said the goal is to restore the cultural values and heritage of the difference tribes in the townships. He said the role of the GETC was the advancement and development of black youths in the areas where they live. This includes, among other things:
· Educating the youth about the dangers of drugs and alcohol
· Emphasising the importance of education among the youth
· Talking to parents about raising their children to be responsible citizens
· Teaching the youth about morality and respect for adults
· Discouraging sexual promiscuity
· Establishing a cultural centre.
“We also want to instil a sense of unity among all people, regardless of where they may come from. It is also important that people should be taught about the dangers of xenophobia and how to live in harmony with others,” explained Induna Wiseman Ndzulu.
