REMARKS BY
PRINCE MANGOSUTHU BUTHELEZI MP
INKOSI OF THE BUTHELEZI CLAN AND
PRESIDENT OF THE INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY
Looking at what has been accomplished today, I cannot help but think of the Ulundi that existed when I was a young man living at KwaPhindangene. This city was still a dream. These roads were bushveld. There were no shopping centres or businesses supporting the people of Mahlabathini. All of this has developed in the last 50 years.
It is, undoubtedly, a great accomplishment. It’s a local success story of which we can all be proud.
As we proceed from here to the newly built Mahlabathini Sports Field, I encourage you to look at our city with fresh eyes. Consider the wealth of human ingenuity and the strength of human perseverance that has created the infrastructure we have in Ulundi. It is testimony to the greatness of our own community.
Today’s handover of infrastructure projects proves that we are still growing and still developing. Even in a harsh economy, we are moving forward rather than stagnating. With the opening of a youth and tourism centre, with the handing over of a house, with the opening of these tarred roads, and with the opening of a sports field, Ulundi is showing its vibrancy.
I want to thank our Mayor and his team at the Municipality. They represent the voice of our people in local government. They decide where resources of State need to be allocated, and how we can capitalise on the little we have at our disposal to create, uplift and empower. I am proud of what our Municipality has accomplished, more so because I know they do it with integrity.
The opening of these tarred roads should be seen as a symbolic gesture, for we are indeed opening paths into Ulundi for investment, tourism, business and growth. We are opening the way for new opportunities. We are connecting people to see partnerships and friendships strengthened. Today, we have good reason to celebrate.
I thank you.