The Greyville Convention Centre in Durban was the place to be on Friday, May 19, 2023, as the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi played host to an unforgettable inaugural gala dinner with Amakhosi.
The event was a true celebration of tradition and culture, as esteemed guests and dignitaries gathered to honour and pay tribute to the rich heritage of our province.
Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Nomusa Dube-Ncube, Deputy Minister of Traditional Affairs Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, and Chairperson of the KZN Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-SanLeaders Inkosi Sifiso Shinga delivered speeches at the occasion.
As part of the celebrations for Africa Month, the gala dinner honoured Amakhosi’s significant role as promoters of social cohesion and protectors of African traditions and cultures.
In her remarks, MEC Sithole-Moloi commended Amakhosi for accepting the invitation and attending the gala dinner, which allows the department to engage directly with the institution of traditional leadership. “As a department, we are committed to collaborating closely with Amakhosi to resolve issues related to the capacity and development of the traditional councils and the communities they serve. Sithole-Moloi stated that a substantial amount of resources have been devoted to the institution’s capacity building to date” said Sithole-Moloi.
Deputy Minister Ncamashe also addressed the gathering, stating that there are numerous unresolved issues within the institution of traditional leadership, including the dearth of trade tools and the inability to manage Amakhosi events. “Upon my return to the province, we will discuss the role you should play as Amakhosi and the support you should receive when organising events,” he said.
Premier Dube-Ncube, delivering the keynote address, stated that the event was one of many that the KZN government has held to demonstrate that Ubukhosi is one of the most significant institutions that represent who we are as Africans. Dube-Ncube stated, “We rely on Amakhosi to develop and improve the lives of the people in our rural areas, while working closely with the government.” “It is essential for Amakhosi to return to holding significant events within their respective communities so that young people can be educated on the historical contexts and various facets of their cultures and traditions,” she added.
Inkosi Shinga, Chairperson of the Provincial House, hailed the gathering as an essential step in the department’s efforts to ensure that the institution of traditional leadership is held in the highest regard and receives the level of support befitting the status of amakhosi.
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