Gert Sibande District Municipality’s executive mayor, (GSDM) Cllr Walter Mngomezulu, has urged the Traditional Leadership within the District to partner with government in fighting the increased rate of HIV in Mpumalanga.
Mngomezulu raised the matter during the Ummemo event at Mandlamakhulu Traditional Council under iNkosi NK Malaza III in Tjakastad on October 6 where Mandlamakhulu resident came in numbers at the call by iNkosi Malaza.
The mayor highlighted recent reports on HIV in the province and called it “extremely concerning”. The province recorded the highest HIV prevalence rate from September 2024. He assured the community that the District AIDS Council, the District and its partners are continuing to wage war against the rise of HIV.
Ummemo is a cultural event where those under traditional council convene for to be addressed by their leader and to celebrate the different cultural activities. Inkosi Malaza III said he appreciated the communities for coming in large numbers saying that they are committed to a united and peaceful traditional council. He requested municipalities to work harder to assist with water provision as it was a challenge in most of the areas as a result drastic drop in water levels.
The event was attended and supported by the Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule, Kgoshi Mathupa Mokoena, Chairperson of the Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi – San Leaders, who is also the President of CONTRALESA. Also attending were numerous traditional leaders within and beyond the district, the Executive Mayor of Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality Cllr Mbuso Magubane, CoGTA and various other government departments, the community of Mandlamakhulu and other stakeholders and sponsors.
