A vibrant celebration of culture, identity, and shared humanity unfolded at the University of Pretoria as the Xhosa Society hosted a deeply meaningful event centered on Ubuntu—the belief that a person is shaped through others.

Opening with traditional royal greetings, Queen Khazeka paid tribute to the various Xhosa royal houses, honoring their legacy and presence. The atmosphere was one of pride and cultural reverence, setting the tone for a speech that blended isiXhosa and English to ensure inclusivity, especially for distinguished guests.

Among those present was Ambassador Nini Okey-Uche, whose attendance was described as more than diplomatic. Her presence symbolized African unity across borders, languages, and traditions—a reminder that despite diversity, the continent shares a common home.

The event also spotlighted the creativity and passion of students. Performances filled the space with poetry, music, and cultural expression, each act serving as a living archive of heritage. The Queen praised the students for going beyond entertainment, describing their efforts as a bridge connecting histories, cultures, and people.

At the heart of the gathering was a powerful message: “Umntu wakha ngamava awafumana komnye umntu”—a person is built through the experiences they gain from others. Using the metaphor of a bird building its nest with feathers from different birds, the speech emphasized that growth and success are never achieved in isolation.

She highlighted how every individual, regardless of status, depends on others—from domestic workers to professionals—reinforcing the idea that wealth and independence are never absolute. This, she explained, is the essence of Ubuntu: “I am because we are.”

The speech also reflected on history, acknowledging the impact of colonization, which once pressured African societies to abandon their languages and identities. Yet, the message was clear—while learning from others is valuable, it should never come at the cost of losing one’s cultural roots.

A recent cultural misunderstanding in Gompo was cited as a lesson in the importance of respect and awareness. What was meant to be a cultural installation ceremony had been misinterpreted by outsiders, highlighting the dangers of ignorance. The Queen urged the audience to listen, learn, and seek understanding before forming judgments.

Turning to the students, she delivered a powerful charge. As future leaders, educators, and thinkers, they carry the responsibility to embody and spread Ubuntu. Their role is not only to succeed individually but to uplift others and shape minds grounded in unity and respect.

In closing, the message returned to its core: no one stands alone. No culture thrives in isolation. True strength lies in collaboration, understanding, and shared humanity.

With a call to build together—with respect, love, and unity—the event ended on a note that resonated far beyond the hall.

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This group comprised with government ministers and deputy ministers, MPs, directors-general, the president of SALGA, political party leaders, traditional leaders, NGOs, civic groups, and everyday citizens. Among them were representatives from the Progressive Forces of South Africa, including President Mthetho Ngcukayithobi, Deputy President Thabiso Makwela, National Strategist Bonang Sepoloane, and Secretary Lebogang Shovhote who also spoke as a concerned resident of Midrand.

A standout attendee was Melisizwe Mayibuye Mandela, great-grandson of Nelson Mandela and the newly appointed Gauteng spokesperson for King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo of the AbaThembu Royal House.

But what started as a promising dialogue quickly turned sour. Many participants left deeply frustrated, feeling the draft white paper still needs massive work to truly reflect the voices and realities of South Africans.

The biggest flashpoint came early: Minister Hlabisa delivered welcoming remarks but then left the venue shortly afterwards. This sparked sharp criticism, with Melisizwe Mandela openly accusing the process of showing disrespect. He pointed out the irony of inviting the public to consult, only for key government figures to miss the real discussions.

Bonang Sepoloane didn’t hold back either, arguing that the draft white paper confirms a long-standing lack of respect from government toward traditional leadership.

Lebogang Shovhote was equally blunt. She slammed the document for being available only in English, calling it an “appalling” barrier for indigenous traditional leaders who are forced to debate laws in a language once tied to oppression. She pushed hard for depoliticising councillor roles, cutting political meddling in municipal jobs, and tackling illegal immigration. As a Midrand local, she also spotlighted the area’s ongoing water supply headaches, a problem that resonated with many others in the room.

Tensions boiled over again when Fatima Abdool from the United Independent Movement challenged the programme director on fair speaking time. After a heated back-and-forth, she got the floor and powerfully highlighted how coloured communities in places like Eersterus, Noordgesig, and Eldorado Park continue to feel sidelined in local governance decisions.

The Gauteng water crisis came up repeatedly, with speaker after speaker echoing the same urgent concerns about failing service delivery.

By the end, the message from the floor was unmistakable: this draft needs to be fundamentally reworked. Participants demanded far more genuine, inclusive engagement moving forward,  real listening, not just box-ticking consultations.

The consultation laid bare deep frustrations with local government reform efforts. While the goal of making every municipality work remains widely shared, yesterday’s gathering showed there’s still a long road ahead to build trust and get the policy right.

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I accept this responsibility with humility, discipline, and profound respect for the mandate entrusted to me. This role carries great significance, and I am committed to serving with integrity, dedication, and loyalty to His Majesty and the people of the province.

I look forward to executing my duties with professionalism and ensuring clear, respectful communication in service of the King’s vision and leadership.

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Speaking at the Gender Based Violence and Femiscide Imbizo with the community of Majeje in the policing area of Namakgale in Mopani District. The provincial commissioner emphasized that the serial rapist invaded the two districts in 2017 and resurface in 2022.

“We believe that one day, God will present him in a silver platter for us,” said Provincial Commissioner Hadebe

She was accompanied by the Mopani District MMC for Community and Safety Basani Shivambu, Hosi Majeje II, Baphalaborwa officials, and various stakeholders.

The aim of the imbizo is to engage the community, following President Cyril Ramaphosa declaring GBV as a national disaster.

According to police statistics, Limpopo is number 5 in rape and GBV cases.

” We had an incident where a 1 year old and 8 months was raped in Ritavi policing area,” said Hadebe

She alluded the fact that men also form part of abuse, and all cases should be treated equally by police officers.

“There’s nine vehicles in each police station, and there’s no way a police station doesn’t have a vehicle whenever community members lays a complaint. I promote that they must speak to the station commanders if not assisted. Laziness will not be tolerated under my watch,” said the Provincial Commissioner

Hadebe reminded police officers that the government expect them to provide professional service.

She praised the Majeje community for involving officials whenever they apprehended a criminal, than resulting in Mob justice.

Members of the community were encouraged to play a pivotal role and be resilient and not allow foreigners to tarnish their community.

The message was well received by Chief Majeje II, who acknowledged that African customs have been hard on women and treated them as objects for decades.

” It is up to us men to change what our forefathers have created. Women alone can not resolve the issue of GBV. I would like to call upon all young men and men for a meeting on the first month of 2026″ said Chief Majeje II

The Chief encouraged all men to assist with household chores as a starting point.

He disagreed with the provincial commissioner that most crimes are committed by foreigners.

“The Mozambicans who reside here are no longer foreigners. They came here in 1974, when there was a war in Mozambique. When they’re here in South Africa, their home, ” He said.

The Chief promised to take a stand against GBVF in the community.

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Newly appointed Royal Chancellor of the Zulu Monarchy Chief Malusi Zondi is preparing to walk down the aisle with his sweetheart Snothile Khumalo.

Zondi from Richmond in the Midlands of KZN was recently announced by Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini as the new Royal Chancellor, a position which will give him the powers to connect the king with other kings across the world.

MDN News is in possession of the wedding invite which state the wedding will take place on 14 December in Umzinyathi in KwaZulu Natal.

Zondi was on the news lately where he promised to target those who are blasting Misuzulu on social media.

“This is my promise to the Zulu nation. As per my appointment as the Royal Chancellor, it is my duty to protect the dignity of the king. The people who have been mobilising and creating social media accounts to bash the king will soon be dealt with,” he said.

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