Passionate about rural development

TRADITIONAL leaders will always have a special role to play in the development of their communities.

They continue to be instrumental in unlocking rural development.

This is the opinion of Trustee/Manager of Umbele Development Savings Trust, Mthembeni Buthelezi.

Born (1952) and bred in the Ezinyambe area near Hlobane, Buthelezi’s passion for community development has always been close to his heart.

After matriculating at Ikhethelo High School in 1973, he went to Ithuteng Technical School in the then Bophuthatswana and obtained a certificate in office administration and started working at Alusaf as Human Resource Clerk from 1975 to 1977.

Between 1978 and 1979 he worked at RBM as Warehouse Supervisor, and in 1980 joined Amabele Breweries as cashier.

Buthelezi also worked for the KwaZulu Finance and Investment Corporation (KFC) and Ithala Limited until his retirement in 2009.

He has served as Chairperson of Bhejane development committees, was a member of the Bhejane Traditional Council in KZN and a Trustee of Nomageja Trust.

He told the Zululand Observer about his joy of working with traditional leaders.

Rural background

ZO: What made you come to Empangeni?

Buthelezi: I was here on a family visit in 1975 and ended up developing a love for this area. In 1982 my family relocated to Bhejane Traditional Authority permanently.

ZO: How did you develop your relationship with the amaKhosi?

Buthelezi: I am a rural boy myself. I grew up under traditional leadership, so it has never been a problem working with them. In fact it is a blessing. But those who have never been exposed to rural life might not see things my way.

ZO: Tell us more about the Umbele Savings Development Trust?

Buthelezi: The trust was formed in 2007 by amakhosi of the Nseleni region to promote economic growth and sustainable development within the nine traditional communities – Mhlana, Sokhulu, Ubizo, Ubuka, Mambuka, Mbonambi, Bhejane, Somopho and Mpukunyoni. It was launched by His Majesty King Goodwill. We are motivated by the desire to nurture and develop rural inhabitants and improve their livelihood in all aspects. Our mission is to be a vibrant rural development and change agency that will enhance the lives of the nine clans in all spheres such as health, safety, welfare, agriculture, education and commerce.

ZO: What exactly is the duty of the trust?

Buthelezi: Ours is to enhance growth by training previously disadvantaged individuals to become future entrepreneurs. We have established sustainable community businesses, provided infrastructure for capacity building, provided scholarships to deserving students in the field of agriculture and engineering, as well as training of co-operatives.

ZO: How do you spend your leisure time?

Buthelezi: I spend time with my wife Isabella MaKubheka, our five children and five grandchildren. I’m also involved in farming on a small scale. I’m also a hunter.