Chief Mahlobo inaugurated as the Chief of KwaMahlobo Traditional Community
25 February 2013
The Royal Residence of KwaNdwalaza in Mkhondo Municipality was abuzz with traditional songs and dance on Saturday, 23 February 2013 during the inauguration of Inkosi MA Mahlobo. This is a culmination of the work of the Provincial Committee on Claims and Disputes on Traditional Leadership. The Committee received 169 claims and disputes. These had to be investigated thoroughly. So far 29 of these were finalised of which only 2 were found to be valid, hence the official recognition of Chief Mahlobo and Chief Yende who will be inaugurated later.
The event was attended by Representatives from the Zulu Kingdom, representatives of National and Provincial Houses of Traditional Leaders, COGTA MEC, Mr SPD Sikhosana, MEC for Human Settlements, Executive Mayors and Councillors.
The Mahlobo traditional authority was a battle ground during the apartheid era when the members of former South African Defence Force occasionally raided the area killing and harassing freedom fighters. This led to the then government not recognising this Traditional Authority. Since the dawn of democracy there have been attempts for the Traditional Authority to be fully recognised. After interventions by the national, provincial government and the Mpumalanga House of Traditional Leaders Inkosi Mahlobo was finally awarded a certificate signed by the Honourable Premier, Mr David Mabuza as recognition of this Traditional Authority and Community.
King Goodwill Zwelithini was represented by Prince Mthokozisi Zulu who expressed a message of support to the Mahlobo Traditional Authority on behalf of the King. Historically there have always been interactions between the Kingdom and the Mahlobo Traditional Authority. The message appealed for cooperation between Politicians and Traditional Leaders.
Speaking on behalf of the Mpumalanga House of Traditional Leaders, Chairperson Kgoshi Mathibela Mokoena joined in to celebrate the recognition of the Mahlobo Traditional Authority that was long overdue. He appealed to the local community to support Inkosi and called on to the Traditional Authority to welcome all community members equally. He further indicated that only those with recognition certificates signed by the Premier will be recognised as Traditional Leaders.
MEC SPD Sikhosana during his address reminded all those who attended the event that South Africans from different cultures have links with traditional leadership. He appealed for all to uphold their customs and traditions despite the technology we might be exposed to. “Recognition of Traditional Leaders will help with moral regeneration that is on decay amongst our society” said Sikhosana.
In response, Inkosi MA Mahlobo expressed gratitude to the provincial government for restoring the dignity of the Mahlobo traditional community. He also thanked the support showed by the Zulu Kingdom and all Traditional Authorities. He appealed for unity amongst his community to ensure that they can together work towards improving the lives of the people. “Let us go back to our customs and morals and fight against abuse of women and children”, said Inkosi Mahlobo.
Contact Person:
Simphiwe Kunene
Cell: 082 413 3931
Issued by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs
