KAAPMUIDEN – A sheep and a printed royal blanket were presented as tokens of appreciation to Make Sizakele Khumalo, president Jacob Zuma’s wife, for her attendance at the Mthayiza Day at Mandwangani farm over the weekend.
“I’m so happy to be among the people of my tribe and thanks very much for remembering me on such an occasion,” she said.
In her speech, she urged women to respect their husbands and teach their children respect. She also stressed the importance of girls and boys keeping themselves pure until they are old enough to assume full responsibility for the consequences of sex.
Ma Khumalo also stressed the importance of taking care of the needy and showing love to one another. The event was also graced by the presence of the MEC for finance, economic development and tourism, Mr Eric Kholwane who was presented with a sheep by the Khumalos.
In his speech, he praised the role played by Chief Musa Khumalo also referred to as Mthayiza II in introducing him to politics and his leadership skills in the community.
Kholwane also acknowledged the role played by traditional leaders in the history of the country and the formation of the African National Congress.
“Hence as ANC-led government, we support traditional leaders and will continue to support them. We are also fortunate as a country to have a president who values tradition and culture. It is of paramount importance that each country should respect its culture and take pride in its language,” he said.
Kholwane added that in support of women, the legislature had heard their cries in the recent Women’s Parliament, on the need for government to remove age limitations when it came to EPWP projects. “We won’t allow women to be discriminated against.
We will empower them as government and we call on traditional leaders to welcome the transformation of women as well,” he said.
Kholwane also made a pledge of R20 000 to enhance some of the projects run by the Mthayizas.
The leader of the clan, Mthayiza II, spoke lengthily about the Khumalos being the African continental brand as a majority of their kingdoms still existed in Africa as a whole.
He also appealed to the MEC to organise a meeting between the Mthayiza Council and the minister of land reform, adding that they would be a model of the government’s land-reform project.
He also delivered a cheque for R100 000 to assist Imphumelelo Primary School in Middelplaas. Mthayiza added that the Mthayiza bursary scheme working hand in hand with the Crooks Brothers Limited had offered bursaries to 21 beneficiaries, and donated school furniture worth R100 000 to Benjamin Primary School.
Other speakers who came from Swaziland and eMnambithi, spoke at length about the history of the Khumalo clan. Swaziland’s national and arts culture minister, Ms Precious Banks LaNxumalo, gave a lecture on the proper wearing of traditional regalia.
