The president of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa) and the current provincial chairperson of the House of Traditional Leaders, Kgoshi Lameck Mathupa Mokoena, has called upon government to engage with royal houses in a bid to uplift underdeveloped communities.
Mokoena was addressing guests and community members during the Bakoena Royal House’s annual cultural celebration in Oakley, Marite on Saturday. The massive event saw locals and guests out in numbers to dance and sing while showcasing their culture and traditional attires.
“I am elated that we still have the chance to celebrate our different cultures. We are proud of what we were able to offer and to put up a showcase for our fellow royal houses in the province,” said Mokoena.
“Contralesa has allowed Mpumalanga to be trendsetters in the development of royal houses. We are fortunate to have governmental officials that support our cultural events and strive to see growth in our royal communities, and have aligned themselves with their roots. Moreover, we call upon the government to engage with royal houses in aid of uplifting underdeveloped communities.”
Mokoena urged the community to appreciate the power royal chiefs have within the community.
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“Traditional leaders have become an intermediary to the local and even national government, to the extent that service delivery has become more effective.”
He said the cultural day was in line with the 100% success rate of initiation (ingoma) schools in the municipality.
“As the Bakoena, we are proud to say no deaths were recorded in the winter ingoma schools, and we are prepared to keep the same record.”
The MEC for co-operative governance and traditional affairs, Mandla Ndlovu, said the department is engaging with most royal communities to provide better service delivery.
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“We need to find ways with royal houses in the province to provide them with assistance that will develop communities. We urgently need to create jobs and help the youth to further their education so that they can participate in growing the local economy,” Ndlovu said.
He urged the community to invest in nurturing culture in young people.
