Johannesburg – Zulu King Misuzulu KaZwelithini had a meeting at the weekend with Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi in which they discussed a wide range of issues including the upgrading of single-sex hostels into family units.
In his ongoing interactions with Amakhosi and Izinduna from hostels in Gauteng, the King has consistently assured them of his commitment to bridging the gap between them and all spheres of government.
“His Majesty does not want any resident from KwaZulu-Natal living in hostels in Gauteng to be left behind,” said a statement issued by the Office of the King attributed to His Royal Highness Prince Africa Zulu of Onkweni, the head of communications and stakeholder relations.
“By and large, the meeting with Premier Lesufi centred around ongoing efforts to reverse the legacies of policies of the apartheid government that dehumanised indigenous people.
“Our history is littered with sad stories of men who migrated to Johannesburg where they only qualified to have single beds in underdeveloped hostels.
“This is our sad past that His Majesty has committed to addressing working with the government of the day, the private sector, and non-governmental organisations.”
The statement said as “we move forward”, the King’s Office has been mandated to facilitate socio-economic development initiatives with the national government – the Gauteng Premier’s Office and KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government.
During the King’s reign, he wants all his people to participate on equal footing in building this country for future generations. No one should be regarded as cheap labour that should only create wealth for a selected few.
Commenting on Sunday’s discussions, King Misuzulu said: “My meeting with Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi marks the beginning of a partnership that will help deal firmly with the breakdown of family lives due to apartheid policies.
“We know that there are many children, who are now adults, who grew up without the love and compassion of their parents.
“Marriages of those who moved to Johannesburg and other major cities collapsed because houses were available for rent only to a male head.”
Regarding a social housing programme for hostel residents, the King noted the work of both the Minister of Human Settlements Mmamoloko Kubayi, and Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements and Infrastructure Lebogang Maile.
The King also acknowledged that more work still needs to be done to restore the human dignity of his people in hostels.
“More must be done to accelerate the rollout of Community Residential Units (CRU) which is aimed at upgrading existing single-sex hostel units into family-oriented units which comprise separate bedrooms and living areas,” said the king.
“More work must be done to ensure that families live in secure and comfortable environments.
“Children living in hostels must have access to quality education, recreational facilities, and all other amenities.”
The King has also mandated his office to facilitate heritage, cultural and sporting activities in partnership with Gauteng’s Premier’s Office.
“The aim is to ensure social cohesion and social stability in hostels,” explained Prince Zulu.
