South Africa’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, recently led a delegation on a visit to Embu County, aiming to deepen cultural and trade connections between the two regions.
The delegation included members of the Dlamini community of Abantu origin from South Africa and Eswatini, who visited Embu to trace their ancestral roots believed to originate from the county.
Their visit commenced with a courtesy call on Embu County Commissioner Jack Obuo, during which they explored avenues for collaboration between Embu and South Africa. This meeting set the stage for a historical exploration of their shared heritage.
High Commissioner Mahlangu highlighted the enduring historical and cultural ties between South Africa and Embu, emphasizing the delegation’s intent to reconnect with their ancestral homeland.
The team engaged with local elders in a fact-finding mission and visited significant historical sites linked to their heritage.
“They will be very happy to do the discovery and report back to the larger community of Swazi and also make arrangements to pay regular visits to the area where their forefathers came from,” said Mahlangu.
He underscored the importance of understanding one’s roots, stating, “A people that does not understand where they came from and where they are will definitely fail to make progress, and that is why we are here to connect with our roots.”
Reuben Dlamini, representing the community, echoed these sentiments, noting that understanding one’s origins is crucial for cultural preservation and meaningful progress.
At a national level, Mahlangu reaffirmed the strong diplomatic ties between Kenya and South Africa, built on mutual respect and shared values. He emphasized the commitment of both nations to enhancing bilateral relations.
“South Africa and Kenya have a very cordial relationship, and our bilateral relationship is at a very high level. We are working to promote and deepen that relationship further,” he said.
Mahlangu also highlighted the potential for trade partnerships, citing Kenya’s agricultural and mineral resources as key areas of interest. He revealed that Presidents William Ruto and Cyril Ramaphosa had established a Ministerial Committee to foster trade relations.
“South Africa has a big market, and the team will be tasked with determining which items can be exported, such as tea and coffee. Kenya is very rich in tea but has not been exporting it to South Africa, and we need to start doing it,” he noted.
Commissioner Obuo praised the visit as a commendable initiative that aligns with President Ruto’s vision of promoting a visa-free policy for African visitors, further bolstering intra-African relations.
The visit not only highlighted historical ties but also laid the groundwork for stronger cultural, diplomatic, and trade partnerships between Embu, South Africa, and Eswatini.
