KAAPMUIDEN – Hundreds of members of the Khumalo Clan celebrated the life of their founder, the late Mthayiza Khumalo of the Mpata royal kraal, near his grave on Kudu Farm in Kaapmuiden recently.
The ceremony was attended by many of the clan’s descendants and relatives from all over the country.
The attendees included Inkosi Thandekile Khumalo of Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal, Inkosi Makhosikhosi Khumalo II from eNhlangano (SD) and the deputy mayor of Emnambithi Ladysmith Municipality
Cllr Sindiswa Mfusi and other delegates, most of whom were dressed in their traditional attire.
The current traditional leader of Mpata/ Libuyile community, Mthayiza II – also known as Inkosi Musa Khumalo – briefed the attendees about the history and prowess of the late Mthayiza in building his nation and defending his place.
“This is a place of magic because our leader was a magical man who did magical things,” he said. He told the attendees how the late Mthayiza used magical and militant tactics to win the Moholoholo battle near the Blyde River.
“He also defended the destruction of his grave at Mpata in various ways such as breaking tractors and bulldozers as the intruders were trying to remove his grave, changing into a snake, and, as they tried to kill it, changing into bees and stinging them (sic). Some disappeared without trace,” narrated Mthayiza II.
The day also marked the celebration of the 7 500ha land which they had acquired through land restitution.
“We are proud to be identified as one of the success stories of land restitution, through very difficult times we were able to get 7 500ha of land for sugar-cane farming and mango production as well as vegetable gardening and a game lodge,” explained Mthayiza II.
Mthayiza also thanked the role played by government in recognition of traditional leaders in the country.
“Our application to acquire cattle from government was successful and we are proud to announce that we have 56 head of cattle,” he said. Mthayiza also explained that the clan owned the farm and two local garages in partnership with Crooks Brothers who were represented by Mr Guy Clerk at the event.
“It is important to remember our history and celebrate the ancestors of this successful community.
I am also part of the Mthayiza family and feel honoured to have been invited,” he said. Clerk explained his company was proud to be associated with the community of Mpata, a relationship that began five years ago.
“Our farm is rated the second best in the quality-cane production and we have provided job opportunities to 513 workers.
We are the best in complying to the law of living wages,” he said. It was heard that the clan also formed iNkosi Mthayiza Bursary Fund which had already paid bursaries to15 students who were pursuing studies in various fields. Moreover, Mthayiza’s Farming, an initiative formed by the community and the Crooks Brothers, had set aside a budget of R100 000 to assist in buying school furniture for Benjamin Primary School. The day was marked with lots of traditional dancing and feasting. Students from the USA, who are currently volunteering their services at schools around Matsulu, also attended the event.
