People gather for annual ummemo

GUTSHWA – The call had been made, the people heeded it, and all roads led to Gutshwa Traditional Authority’s home of Chief Benedict Sive Khumalo, for the grandest gathering of any traditional leader, the great annual ummemo.

This kind of gathering which is a combination of indigenous songs and dance and colourful displays of traditional wear, is the pride of the Khumalo Royal Kraal. Other traditional council chiefs also graced the event, along with their entourages of elders and dance groups who rendered some items for the host chief.

The mood among the guests was jovial and the air was filled with cheer and expectation.

It was, after all, a day meant for celebration and the people came prepared for what was on offer – a generous supply of food and drink.

Apart from hosting a great celebration, the traditional council also utilised the event to delve into issues affecting the community of Gutshwa.

Several key speakers from the departments of health and cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta), SARS, the IEC and gave their messages of support.

A mobile clinic ensured that all medical emergencies were taken care of. Sr RB Mayile urged the community to make use of health-care services in order to reduce the scourge of opportunistic diseases.

She pleaded with traditional healers to advise clients to use clinics as a first preference, as research had shown misdiagnosis in traditional consultations was rife.

Cogta representative, Mr Henry Magagula reminded the community of the strides government had made thus far to bring about a better life for all, and that South Africa is a better place to live in now than pre-1994.

Towards closing of the ceremony, Khumalo took to the podium to the delight of his subjects, who erupted in ululation and gave him a standing ovation.

It was clear that he was highly favoured by those he served. The chief spoke openly to those who disputed his chieftaincy, asking his people who their chief is, and the response was a thunderous applause.

Khumalo is the undisputed chief of the people of Gutshwa and the people came in numbers to celebrate with him and showed loyalty.
“I’d like to thank the Almighty God for the rain the past few days. Others may deem it as a disturbance, but to us it is life as we will have water supply and food.

Traditional authority plays an important role in society because we are the vanguards of our cultural values, ensuring that communities continue to develop in all spheres of life.
“I want to emphasise that youngsters should go to school and that there should be effective learning and teaching at all times.

Clinics must be open 24 hours, but if there is no medication available, it doesn’t augur well with us. Going back to farming land at this time will be detrimental because of the drought.
“I hope you have registered to vote, if not, you can still do it on April 9 and 10. Go out in your numbers and vote for your party of choice. Your vote counts a lot, so don’t be left behind,” he ended.
He informed the community that a memorial service and unveiling for the late Chief Sibhulo Khumalo had recently been held.