On Tuesday 22 April 2024, the Ingonyama Trust Board (ITB) had a meeting with Umngeni – Uthukela Water Board (UUW) as part of its ongoing stakeholder engagement programme. This historical event marked a beginning of a journey for both Boards in the advancement of Rural Development in the communities of KwaZulu – Natal. This business unusual approach taken by the Board is an effort to create synergies and partnerships with relevant stakeholders to advance its business.
“It is a rare occasion to find two Boards seating, this is because we have synergies in the advancement of rural development in the province. Most of our infrastructure is on rural land on land owned by amaKhosi, that is why it is important for us as UUW to engage with ITB”. Those were the opening remarks by the chairperson of UUW Board Advocate Vusi Khuzwayo during this meeting.
The deputy chairperson of ITB, Advocate Linda Zama had this to say. “What the current Board discovered was that it has been operating in a silo approach, as a result not much strategic interaction with stakeholders had been happening”. She further re-emphasised the importance of this event and assured UUW that the ITB will be ready to assist in making sure that their work is easy. She outlined a planned meeting with the KZN Provincial House of Traditional Leaders to strengthen the relationships with the Board as an entity which impacts on the traditional leaders. “We are strengthening our approach and making the ITB relevant to all its stakeholders, we are excited of the steps we are taking”, she concluded.
In the meeting the UUW made a presentation of its current water infrastructure development projects, current status, achievements and challenges. As much as this was a meet and greet type of a meeting the general consensus was that the both Boards would work together in collaboration on these projects.
