Pretoria – KwaZulu-Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu has expressed his appreciation to all the religious leaders who participated in the inter-faith “Prayer for Rain”, as the province continues to battle the drought.
“Your participation in the “Prayer for Rain” gives us hope because under these circumstances our fate depends on the falling of the rain,” said Premier Mchunu.
The Provincial Executive Council has visited different parts of the province to assess the impact of the current drought, which has affected agriculture with ordinary members of the communities losing their livestock.
“Clearly, our efforts aimed at reviving agriculture have been dealt a heavy blow with both commercial and emerging farmers counting losses running into millions of rand.
“Our greatest fear is that this prolonged drought will lead to food insecurity resulting in many families exposed to abject poverty and hunger.
“In addition, the lack of access to clean water for many families and schools may lead to the outbreak of diseases – something that we cannot afford as the province,” said the Premier.
He said that because the province’s fate depended on rain, it was important to look up to the heavens and request divine intervention.
Battle of Isandlwana
Meanwhile, Premier Mchunu congratulated Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini for hosting a successful Commemoration of the Battle of Isandlwana.
The commemoration, which took place at the weekend, at Nquthu, in northern KwaZulu-Natal, involved a re-enactment of the battle by Zulu warriors and British soldiers.
The Premier said the commemoration gave the country an opportunity to renew ties and reflect on the history that makes it known as the Rainbow Nation.
He added that this year’s commemoration gave them an opportunity to strengthen the solidarity amongst the people of the province.
“The Battle of Sandlwana proved pivotal to South Africa’s geo-political evolution. The military prowess of the Kings and the Zulu warriors of Isandlwana served as an inspiration to many generations of leaders who found themselves at the forefront of a broader struggle to build a non-sexist, democratic and prosperous society.”
He highlighted that during the commemoration, they were celebrating the contribution of the people of KwaZulu-Natal from all races and religions towards the creation of a united nation.
“Today we must stand together and announce to the world that we will never allow just a few individuals to destroy the racial harmony that we have achieved after years of hard work.
“By all accounts, this province has achieved racial harmony and prosperity through collective efforts by Whites, Indians, Coloureds and Africans.”
The event ended with the presentation of the Zulu Kingdom Orders in recognition of the Zulu warriors that ensured the historic victory of the Zulu Nation over the British.
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