Dr. Louis A Picard

July-December 1984

July 21, 1984
There is some discussion of the so called transfer issue or the “Ngwavuma and KaNgwane transfer problem”. At the time the transfer was announced, the magistrates offices in this area were localized. I was able to interview two of the homeland magisgrates. All of the whites were pulled out and Inkatha paid a great deal of attention to this area.

A great deal of Swazi transfer money from South Africa was said to be put into education, health and social services. The local population was the unexpected beneficiary of this. Below is the Ngwavuma River which forms a boundary with Swaziland and the area which was to be transferred.

Civil service personnel in the homelands often reflect the attitudes of the South African National Party value system. “These people are not ready; it will take a long time before they will evolve.” This value system may be in conflict with the political leadership within the homelands and this was certainly to be the case in KaNgwane. There remains a generally positive view of Buthelezi however in the Ngwavuma area.

June 22, 1984
Traveled to Ulundi,Kwa Zulu and had an interview with Mr. H. Khumalo, Administrator, Inkatha National Office in Ulundi. He stressed his concern about violence. He was very anti-violence. He had a positive view of the possibilities of political change. He stressed the importance of communication, media and especially the role that Television might play in influencing white opinion. He said he was anti-United Democratic Front because the have rejected Inkatha.

Ngwavuma River