Empembeni, 08 November 2025- The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa, together with the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, yesterday joined the people of eMpembeni, KwaHlabisa, in celebrating 48 years of exceptional leadership by Inkosi D.J. Hlabisa.The celebration, hosted by the eMpembeni Traditional Council in partnership with the Hlabisa Royal Family, drew a large gathering of dignitaries, including the Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe; the Mayor of Big 5 Hlabisa Local Municipality, Cllr H.T. Nkosi-Mngomezulu; leaders of local government; traditional leaders; and members of the eMpembeni community.Delivering the keynote address, Minister Hlabisa, who is also related to the Hlabisa Royal Family, paid warm tribute to Inkosi D.J. Hlabisa for nearly five decades of visionary and selfless service. “The people of eMpembeni owe deep gratitude to their leader for his unwavering dedication, sacrifices, and the progress he has inspired. Inkosi Hlabisa’s leadership reflects humility, service, and the pursuit of a better life for all his people,” said Minister Hlabisa.In his remarks, MEC Buthelezi commended Inkosi Hlabisa for leading with integrity, unity, and a strong sense of duty, echoing the values taught by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi (uMntwana wakwaPhindangene). He also underscored the historic ties between the Hlabisa Clan and the Zulu Royal House, noting that Princess Songiya Hlabisa, a daughter of the Hlabisa lineage, married King Senzangakhona, and gave birth to King Mpande kaSenzangakhona, who later ascended the Zulu throne.“Today we honour a peacemaker who has guided his people with wisdom and dignity for 48 years. Inkosi Hlabisa’s life and leadership reflect the values of service and nation-building that lie at the heart of the Zulu Kingdom. We are inspired by his enduring commitment to his people and to preserving our culture,” said MEC Buthelezi.Adding his voice, Inkosi Biyela of Mahlayizeni in eNkandla praised Inkosi Hlabisa for his long-standing dedication to community upliftment. “Being an Inkosi demands hard work, honesty, and service to one’s people. Inkosi Hlabisa understood that leadership is a sacred responsibility, not a privilege. He has worked tirelessly to ensure development and dignity for his community,” said Inkosi Biyela.The celebration was filled with traditional praises, and heartfelt tributes from community members and leaders reflecting on Inkosi Hlabisa’s profound contribution to local governance, unity, and heritage preservation.The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, together with the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, congratulates Inkosi D.J. Hlabisa on 48 years of distinguished leadership and wishes him continued strength and wisdom in his service to the people of eMpembeni, KwaHlabisa, and KwaZulu-Natal.
ENDS
