BUSHBUCKRIDGE – One of the very few erudite traditional leaders in the country who is also a magistrate at the Mhala Magistrate’s Court, Hosi Theophilus Magwagwaza Mnisi was officially inaugurated as the chief of the Mnisi Traditional Council in Hluvhukani, Bushbuckridge Municipality over the weekend (July 4).
He is the successor of the late Hosi Phillip Mnisi who died two years ago.
Upon acceptance of the throne, Hosi Mnisi committed himself to working closely with government in an attempt to improve the lives of people in his chieftaincy. In his remarks Mnisi called on government to deal with the shortage of water in his area as many of his subjects still travel long distances to fetch water.
“Lack of water remains the biggest challenge in this day and age in these areas. I would like to invite the executive mayor, Cllr Khumalo to visit us and discuss a plan to improve the lives of our people here. You still come across people travelling long distances to fetch water. I appeal to the government to assist us in this regard,” said Mnisi.
Earlier this year Mnisi called on the Department of Education to investigate teachers who impregnate young girls and continue teaching as if nothing happened. “If they fail they must report them to courts and we will investigate and arrest them,” he said while addressing throngs of learners, parents and stakeholders who attended the opening of Acorn to Oaks Comprehensive School in Bohlabela District, Acornhoek.
His inauguration was attended by the MEC for cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) in Mpumalanga, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni, traditional leaders from across the province, Bushbuckridge’s executive mayor, Cllr Renius Khumalo and legal practitioners, to name few.
In her keynote address Mtshweni committed the department’s support to traditional leaders, “We commit ourselves as the department, as we are mandated to support the institution of traditional leaders, to provide you (Hosi Mnisi) with the necessary support. You can count on us for support, not only for your authority, but for improving the living conditions of your people. We assure you of our cooperation at all times,” she said.
Mtshweni further appealed to Hosi Mnisi to contribute to government’s efforts to prevent the loss of lives in the initiation schools. “This year we have adopted a zero-tolerance towards initiation schools. The promulgation of the Ingoma Act of 2011 will serve as a catalyst to prevent further loss of lives. The effectiveness of the Act hinges on the role of traditional leaders to deal with people who operate illegal initiation schools. We appeal for your assistance in ensuring that initiation schools in this area comply with the Act,” emphasised Mtshweni.
She added that four illegal initiation schools had been closed down since the start of the winter season and their owners arrested, adding that the initiation of young boys into adulthood should be risk free. “A number of parents are heart-broken after allowing their children to go to initiation schools, only to lose them. We do not want this to happen again. With your support, we can stop it,” she said before handing Hosi a certificate of recognition from the premier of the province, Mr David Mabuza as per the Mpumalanga Traditional Leadership and Governance Act of 2005.
Hosi Mnisi is the second chief in Mpumalanga to be inaugurated this year after Ikosi Bongani Mahlangu of the Ndzundza-Somphalali in Kwaggafontein.
