ZATC introduced to residents of Mailula and Extension Nine
Zalisidinga African Traditional Council (ZATC) restores the spirit of ubuntu in Katlehong and Vosloorus.
Zalisidinga African Traditional Council (ZATC) was introduced to the residents of Mailula and Extension Nine during the event that took place at Mailula Park, Vosloorus, on September 14.
In isiXhosa ‘zalisidinga’ means to fulfil a need or a requirement.
The need that ZATC wishes to fulfil, with its kraal in Extention 28, is to restore ‘ubuntu and the appreciation of African traditions in communities.
King Godfrey Fanie, the leader of ZATC, said the purpose to gather at Mailula Park was also to introduce the idea of kingship to the people of the two communities.
Fanie said kingship will provide traditional solutions to most of the communities’ problems which courts of law may not resolve, and unite communities of different cultures.
ALSO READ: March held to support people living with albinism
“There are cases like family disputes and cases of inheritance that cannot be resolved by the court of law but only by people with traditional knowledge.
“There are some people who look down upon others cultures.
“Others oppress each other because of the political party they support.
“The kingship seeks to unite people,” said Fanie.
He added: “In our tradition as black people, our parents have a large herd of cattle. If the head of the house dies all his assets automatically belong to the older son of that family.
“But often children fight over these assets.
“That is where tradition leaders come in to intervene in solving the matter, using our traditional knowledge.”
After the meeting, residents willing to identify with the kingship were given an opportunity to register their names to be kept in the database.
ALSO READ: Methodist Church say no to women and children abuse
Fanie believes divorces have become widespread because black people have abandoned their traditions.
“In the past there were not so many divorces.
“People stayed with their partners no matter what difficulties they experienced.
“As the kingship, couples who are going through a divorce, and who are our members, will be given tools to deal with problems the traditional way.”
“Prior to 1994, there were traditional councils in the townships.
“During those days there were no drugs, even the levels of crime were not as high as it is today,” said Fanie.
At the end of the meeting, residents were welcomed to affiliate as members of the council, and there were many who signed up.
Fanie assured people that ZATC is legal, and works with the Ekurhuleni Municipality to restore humanity to the people.
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Zaid Khumalo (managing editor) zaidk@caxton.co.za , kathorusmail@lokshinmedia.co.za
or Aaron Damane (journalist) aarond@caxton.co.za
Remember to visit the Kathorus Mail on the following social media platforms :
Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers Germiston City News
Bedfordview Edenvale News, Alberton Record and Kempton Express.
