The ANC's campaign efforts ahead of the local government elections have taken a significant turn as secretary-general Fikile Mbalula visited the Bapedi nation in Limpopo. Mbalula, accompanied by ANC Youth League president Collen Malatji and provincial secretary Reuben Madadzhe, was warmly received by Queen Leganabatho II Thulare. The visit is seen as part of the ANC's charm offensive with traditional leaders and royal houses across the country.
During his visit, Mbalula gifted Queen Thulare five live cows, fulfilling a promise made during her birthday celebration last month. He expressed his connection to the Bapedi royal house, stating that he considered it the home of the ANC. Mbalula also emphasized that the ANC is an organization of God and the ancestors, citing the rain that fell during his visit as a blessing.
Queen Thulare welcomed Mbalula's visit, expressing excitement to receive a high-ranking ANC leader. She attributed the rain that fell during his visit to God's miracles and blessings. In return, Queen Thulare gifted Mbalula with traditional regalia made of leopard skin, symbolizing honor, courage, and distinguished service.
The regalia bestowed upon Mbalula is traditionally worn by the senior regiments of the Bapedi people, representing valour, dignity, and standing within the nation. According to Prince Mampuru Sekwati, the royal family was pleased that Mbalula honored his promise to present cattle to the queen as a birthday gift, which is crucial in maintaining relationships with traditional leaders.
Mbalula's visit is also seen as an attempt to regain the trust of King Misuzulu Zulu ka Zwelithini of the Zulu nation, who has close ties with the Bapedi nation. The Bapedi royal house has indicated that Mbalula's next visit is likely to be to the Zulu nation, with the two royal houses working towards signing a memorandum of understanding.
The draft memorandum of understanding, seen by TimesLive, reveals that the two royal households have agreed not to compromise their position on controlling minerals and land in their areas. The Zulu kingdom is rich in gold, while the Bapedi kingdom is rich in chrome and platinum, and both control vast amounts of land.
The looming signing of the memorandum of understanding is expected to tighten controls on minerals and land, ensuring black people play a central role in mining activities, and taking a firm stance on beneficiation. The ANC's efforts to woo traditional leaders and royal houses ahead of the local government elections are intensifying, with Mbalula's visit to the Bapedi nation being a significant move in this direction.
Key points
- The ANC's campaign efforts are focusing on traditional leaders and royal houses.
- Mbalula gifted Queen Thulare five live cows and received traditional regalia.
- The Bapedi nation has authority over more than 5-million people, about 10% of South Africa's population.
