DRDAR and Human Settlements MECs visits the AmaMpondo aseQaukeni King, Ahh!!! Zanozuko…

By Zukiswa Gqamane

Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) MEC Xolile Nqatha together with the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements MEC Babalo Madikizela visited the AmaMpondo aseQaukeni Kingdom on an official meet and greet with King Zanozuko Sigcau in Ndimakude Great Place.

The visit was also intended to showcase the strides the department undertakes towards building relations with the monarchs of the province and the communities they lead, in order to provide services towards rural development and agrarian reform.

Presenting the King with a heifer, MEC Nqatha said: “This is not the first time visiting the area. It concerned me that up until now I have not done what is expected of me; which is to personally visit the great place to pay homage to Monarch. Therefore, we are here today to give our due respect to the King and to say as the department we would like to work together with the monarchy in the development of the Eastern Pondoland.”

Echoing the words of MEC Nqatha, Human Settlement MEC Madikizela said “we are here to officially introduce ourselves but also we are here in an effort to build relations between the two departments and the monarchy so that when there are differences between our officials stationed in the area and community the monarchy can have access and direct communication with us as the political heads of the departments in order to bring development to our people.”

“Moving forward our departments will be in and out of the Pondoland. We, therefore, ask that you allow us and not feel offended by our presence. We are prepared to work together with the monarchs in serving our people. We further urge communities not to stand in the way of development that is directed towards improving the lives of our people”, added Madikizela.

Responding to the MECs, the king said: “You are welcome in the Pondoland. MEC Nqatha I am gratified by the gift. As the people we are not new to agricultural activities, that is our way of life. If you were to go around the area our crops will be evidence of that. We are, consequently, excited to have you in our midst. May this be not the last time we see you.”

Addressing the media on how he felt about the visit by the two MECs the King added: “This is a dawning of the new era, a step in the right direction. We are hopeful that even with the challenges we face, going forward we will be able to work together with the two departments to do better. The people of the area have seen and felt the work done by MEC Nqatha’s department in the area in particular with the development of the Magwa and Majola tea plantation.”

“With regards to human settlements, there will always be challenges with housing the population, however, if there is one thing you need to know is that as the AmaMpondo nation ‘we do not lose hope’. We, therefore, live in hope that one day our housing needs will be met and that the promised our government has made to our people will be fulfilled. Today we are truly grateful, history has been made…. This is the first in the history of the Monarchy, where two MECs have visited the area to show their support towards the development of our people. We trust that we will be able to work together hand in hand moving forward, “added the King.