By Celani Sikhakhane
The first wife of the late King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu has called on rural women to stop selling their land to the rich because it’s leading them back to poverty.
Queen Sibongile maDlamini of kwaKhethomthandayo Royal Palace was speaking at the royal women’s celebration, uMkhosi weSivivane, which was started by King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s mother, the late Queen Regent Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu, to uplift women and single parents.
Queen Sibongile said that Zulu people in rural areas have plenty of land, but their mistake is that they don’t want to use it to develop the local agricultural economy, instead selling it to rich people to build big houses.
“I plead with you to use this land to uplift yourselves economically through agriculture. There’s plenty of land in our rural areas.
“But the disturbing part is that some of the women don’t want to use that land for long-term investments in the agricultural economy and other economic activities. Instead, they sell it to rich people from the suburbs who come and build their palatial homes. Let’s use the programmes we have to work our land for the future of our children,” said Queen maDlamini.
She also raised concerns about young women who have resorted to alcohol and said that as parents, they are very concerned because these young women are supposed to be the future and pillars of the Zulu nation.
Queen maDlamini promised to keep the late Queen Regent Mantfombi’s legacy alive by continuing to empower women.
Princess Tobhi Zungu said that since the formation of uMkhosi weSivivane, many rural poor women are now able to put food on their tables because they were empowered to start their businesses.
MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Mtomuhle Khawula, praised the role that uMkhosi weSivivane has played in changing the lives of many women. The ceremony was mostly dominated by rural women when it was established, but it has now attracted women from various sectors, including academics and business.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini applauded women for their bravery in shaping society and fighting for a better life.
Pictured above: Rural women were warned against selling their land to the rich.
Source: Spha Mbele/Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
