By Kenya News Agency
South Africa’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, led a delegation from South Africa on a visit to Embu County to strengthen cultural and trade connections.
The group, comprising members of the Dlamini Community of Abantu origin from both South Africa and Eswatini, travelled to Embu to trace their ancestral roots, which they believe link back to the county.
Their visit began with a courtesy meeting with Embu County Commissioner Jack Obuo, where they explored ways to deepen collaboration between Embu and South Africa before proceeding with their historical exploration.
High Commissioner Mahlangu emphasized the long-standing historical and cultural bonds between South Africa and Embu, noting that the delegation aimed to reconnect with their ancestral homeland.
The delegation later engaged with local elders in a fact-finding mission and toured 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,” he said.
Mahlangu expressed confidence that the team would share their findings with the broader Swazi community and arrange regular visits to the region where their ancestors once lived.
“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,” he said.
Reuben Dlamini, representing the community, underscored the importance of such initiatives, emphasising that understanding one’s origins is essential for meaningful progress and cultural preservation.
At the national level, Mahlangu reaffirmed the strong diplomatic ties between Kenya and South Africa, built on mutual respect and shared values. He noted that both countries are committed to enhancing their bilateral relations.
“South Africa and Kenya have a very cordial relationship, and our bilateral relationship is at a very high level, and we are trying to promote and deepen that relationship further,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of exploring trade opportunities, citing Kenya’s agricultural and mineral wealth as a basis for potential partnerships.
Mahlangu revealed that President William Ruto and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa had already established a Ministerial Committee to foster trade relations between the two nations.
Mahlangu said South Africa has a big market, and the team will be tasked with determining which items can be exported, for instance, 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 said.
Commissioner Obuo described the visit as a commendable initiative aligned with President Ruto’s vision of promoting a visa-free policy for African visitors, further strengthening intra-African relations.
Similar Posts by The Mt Kenya Times:
- Green Belt Movement concerned over plans to excise Uhuru and Central Parks for Highway expansion
- NEWS IN BRIEF 4 JUNE 2026
- A nation that keeps drinking its own poison and calling it medicine
- EACC arrest Nyamira county clerk in shocking KSh 30 million scandal
- Maputo and Pretoria at odds over reports of Mozambican deaths in South Africa’s xenophobic violence
About the Author
