THE FUSE

By Celani Sikhakhane

Kgosi Bokang Molefe says rural land must be developed for investors, warning people were taught to seek work in cities while jobs disappear.

Deputy minister Kenny Morolong says views from traditional leaders and local groups in Pietermaritzburg will be taken to the G20 Summit in Johannesburg.

Traditional leaders want the South African government to use the G20 Summit to push for economic development on rural land, saying this is key to fighting rising unemployment.

Kgosi Bokang Molefe from the Molefe clan in Nquthu, who serves in the National House of Traditional and Khoi-san Leadership, says the land in rural areas must be developed so it can attract investors.

He says South Africans were taught to leave rural areas and look for work in cities, but those jobs are disappearing while the population keeps growing.

“We do have land across rural areas of South Africa but the problem is we were programmed that in order to survive we need to go to urban areas and look for employment,” said Molefe.

“Unfortunately the population has grown while job opportunities are getting lost and limited. Therefore it is time to go back to our roots and work the land in order to create more job opportunities.”

Molefe was speaking at the G20 stakeholders consultation in Pietermaritzburg this week ahead of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg next week.

He said land is a rich inheritance from their forefathers and must benefit future generations through economic development.

Deputy minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong said all the views raised by traditional leaders and other groups in Pietermaritzburg will be taken to the G20 Summit.

“All the views made by local government, traditional leaders, churches and other stakeholders will be included at the upcoming G20,” said Morolong.

He said the government will return to eMgungundlovu to give feedback after the summit.

Pictured above: Kgosi Bokang Molefe calling for rural land development ahead of the G20 Summit.

Image source: KZN GCIS