DELMAS – On August 5, 2024, the Delmas First Organisation met with traditional leaders from the Victor Khanye Local Municipality (formerly known as KwaHlanga), formally introducing the community organisation and outlining its objectives. Delmas First, a non-profit organisation, is made up of professionals, entrepreneurs, skilled workers, semi-skilled individuals, and citizens united by a common goal of restoring Delmas to its former glory and attract investors once more.
Established in January 2023, the organisation is already making history by uniting various business and organisational groups that previously had differing views, which hindered growth and contributed to significant economic instability.
Driven by the vision of transforming the local community for the better, Delmas First met with the traditional leaders to explore potential collaborations aimed at developing the municipality and empowering citizens through job creation.
Introducing the purpose of the meeting, Delmas First coordinator Nhlanhla Masango said, “Ours is to pave the way for the role that traditional leaders can play in Delmas First and to further discuss how the local traditional councils can benefit from the Delmas First initiative, which is primarily focused on development.”
It was noted that Delmas First operates independently of any political party, welcoming members from various political backgrounds. With plans to host a cultural festival celebrating the dominant Ndebele culture in the Victor Khanye municipality, Delmas First introduced the idea to traditional leaders. The meeting was attended by aboNdabezitha and maKhosana from the Ndimande kaNdzundza Traditional Council, Manala Ndayi Traditional Council, Ndzundza Hlanga Traditional Council, and Somtjhatjhana Traditional Council, who all shared their common expectations from working with Delmas First. “We support the cultural festival because it celebrates our culture.
As aMakhosi, we plan to build a heritage site in honour of our esteemed Chiefs (boNdabezitha),” said the traditional leaders. During the meeting, the traditional leaders further agreed to collaborate with Delmas First on the development of the municipality, provided that the organisation assists with funding for the cultural events they plan to host. “We will need to discuss the expenses further as we approach Heritage Month,” the leaders said. Masango stressed the importance of working with the traditional leaders.
“It was necessary to meet with aMakhosi to introduce our organisation and align our missions for the municipality,” he said. He assured that they would look into assisting the traditional leaders with support for their upcoming events.
