On the 10 March 2023, Nkosi Jongilanga Sigcau, Chairperson of the Alfred Nzo Local House of Traditional Leaders paid a courtesy to the Embassy of Turkiye to convey a message condolences to the Ambassador of Turkiye Aysegus Kandas, to the Government of Turkiye and the families of the earthquake victims in Turkey. He also signed the book of condolences which will be handed to the President of Turkey.
The Mpondo nation have good relations with the people of Türkiye through its Embassy in South Africa which have been based on friendship and mutual respect and appreciation. These two nations continue to explore new avenues for deeper cooperation and collaboration including on cultural exchange.
Ambassador Kandas led a delegation to attend the Mpondo Culture and Heritage Festival in 2022 held at Lwandlolubomvu Great Place in Ntabankulu including cultural exhibitors. She is expected to attend this year’s Festival accompanied by artists from Turkiye. Mpondo Artifact and craft is expected to be donated to a museum in Turkey. This also to promote Mpondo arts, craft as well as market Mpondo heritage globally and to also promote cultural diplomacy as well as cultural economy and cultural tourism in the Mpondo Kingdom.
There have also been engagements and meetings between Nkosi Jongilanga Sigcau and Ambassador Kandas on possible projects in the Mpondo Kingdom that Turkiye can support including on skills development and agriculture.
Nkosi Jongilanga Sigcau also led a delegation to attend on 4 March 2023 the King Silamba commemoration where he delivered a speech and was welcomed by King Makhosonke Mabhena of the Ndebele nation.
The Mpondo and Ndebele nations have long standing relations dating to 2008 on cultural exchange.
