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Our forefathers grew up through soil cultivation…

On June 11, 2009, King Goodwill Zwelithini spoke to the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature and declared “The provincial government [and civil society] must initiate programmes aimed at encouraging people to plough the land. This will go a long way in feeding families and distributing nutritious food at low prices to those who battle to make ends meet.” This was an important speech from the Monarch because of the unofficial power he still has.

In South Africa, the Ubukhosi, or traditional leadership infrastructure from pre-colonial days, is recognized in the Constitution. The individual village Inkosi (Chiefs) have no official government power or authority. But they have a traditional leadership role that is still very powerful, especially in rural villages. In my experience, very little happens without the Inkosi’s approval, and much happens with his support. The Zulu King is the leader of the Ubukhosi, and therefore, his word makes it easier for us to get the support of the local Inkosi, and the village. For Isipho’s model, this is critical because our plan is to make these programs theirs; ultimately, the success is dependent on their work and leadership and commitment to turning our catalyst into a self-sustaining, long-term solution.

The King went even further, also addressing another issue that is common across all of Africa, and one we are trying to alleviate in Nzinga. Much of the aid in Africa over the last generations has created a dependence which has often had the unintended consequence of trading dignity and self-reliance for food. King Zwelithini said, “Our forefathers grew up through soil cultivation and we also grew up in the same way. Why do we allow our children to strive on raiding rubbish bins and not chastise them when they beg?”

The Zulu are a strong, proud, smart, and hard-working people. Decades of Apartheid and poverty, fathers having to leave families to work in cities, the crushing impact of the AIDS epidemic, have cost much. But I think the biggest cost has been to the fabric of their culture that has supported them for hundreds of years. Reminding Zulus of their past, of the benefits of working the land, of self-reliance and self-respect, is tremendously valuable and important message to hear from The King.

Our desire is to play a role in making his hopes and plans come to fruition.

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