The Fourth Industrial Revolution too many is a foreign language mostly so, the marginalised and the poorest of the poor.
But that could change for the better.
The first in the country and as part of rural socio economic development, ZIBI App has been introduced to try and bridge the gap between urban and rural that would allow traditional Councils to offer and extend its cultural and traditional engagements or activities virtually and services digitally.
The brains behind the concept is Prince Lutho Zibi, cultural expert, and leader of the AmaHlubi Chairmans Foundation.
The ZIBI App will be accessed by community members and those who reside outside the Khayakhulu Village (Rustenburg) on the annual 96th Isikhumbuzo Celebrations scheduled for September 20 and 26 (heritage month), amongst other activities pencilled by the Council.
Community members are encouraged register to receive their unique membership number, download the App on Google and App Store and confirm attendance, according to Prince Zibi.
“The App allows users free trial period to access interesting facts and experiences from our virtual map which is a traditional council locator to bulletin boards.
The App will endeavour over the next 6 months to be a platform which is used by all Traditional Councils that seek to digitise their administrations as part of the 858 cohort in line with the indigenous knowledge act for the preservation of future generations, using culture to drive development and give chance to a new lifestyle,” says Prince Zibi.
This also drives social inclusion and justice for the masses, he says.
Continued Prince Zibi: “Covid 19 has further marginalised traditional rural communities along the norms of customs, traditions and culture, Royal and Traditional Leaders who act in Traditional Councils as a body of the statute recognised by the Constitution have now more than ever need to use the opportunities the 4IR present.”
He also made a mention of a new concept: generic 3C Model© (Community, Catalyst, and Commerce) that can be used by any rural community that aims to create wealth (development) for anyone.
“We must recognize that every community is unique, and their individual requirements must be accounted for. The community’s leadership structure must be under-stood and leveraged in this model. Furthermore, the prevailing culture in the community must be taken into account when designing any developmental strategies,” he says.
Prince Zibi concluded by stating:” Unpacking the commerce element of the 3C Model© also requires establishing the right financial partners. From the onset, although rural communities should move away from the beneficiary mentality, it would be naïve to think that significant development could be self-financed.
Community leaders, therefore, need to identify financial partners who can provide the right levels of funding in mutually beneficial structures. Finally, the shareholding structure of the commercial deals need to be deliberated and agreed upon.”
Using the 3C Model© has seen notable progression in Khayakhulu, and would like to replicate this model across different communities as a beginning of a rural revolution
The AmaHlubi Traditional Council, through its AmaHlubi Chairmans Foundation has partnered with Community Advice Office SA in advancing social justice and empowerment of traditional communities.
For more information on the APP and celebrations go to: www.amahlubichairmansfoundation.co.za or call 014 501 0030
Image (Inkosi Shadrack Zibi (far left) and Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi in the company of other traditional Chiefs at the ceremony held at Escourt, KZN).
