SA faces revolt if poor denied land rights – Mkiva
NELSON Mandela’s former poet Zolani Mkiva has warned of a looming revolt by the poor unless the country’s economic wealth is evenly distributed.
Mkiva, who travelled the world with Madiba during his term of office, said although the country had obtained democracy 21 years ago, the majority of people were still poor and landless.
“'This needs to be addressed before it gets out of hand,” said Mkiva, who was addressing guests from Russia, Venezuela, Angola, Ivory Coast and South Africans at the annual Mkiva Humanitarian Foundation Awards in Butterworth on Saturday.
“South Africa is a land of Africans, but shared with people of western origin. But, 21 years into our democracy, a large chunk of our land is not owned by the rightful owners, Africans,” Mkiva said.
“That is totally unacceptable, we need to address it before the masses of people decide to address it themselves.”
Venezuela’s late president Hugo Chavez was declared “global champion for people’s freedom” at the event. Others to receive awards included: ● Mikhail Zernov, a Russian innovator and advocate for development who was honoured as the champion for the people’s culture;
● Jose Ferreira Ramos, an African businessman from Angola who received the African philanthropist of the year award;
● King Zie Jean Gervais of Ivory Coast, who was honoured for leadership in royalty; ● Gospel singer Lusanda Mcinga; and ● Nomhle Nkonyeni, a celebrated actor. —