On the 10^th of February (Tuesday) the Amandla Emvelo Team, led by its CEO, Dr. Loyiso Mbabane, and two team members, Ms Prosperity Maunga and Mr Andile Msindwana, paid a ‘pre-visit’ to the Chieftess of the area. Mbotyi is famous for its wild-coast beach that is very popular with people of  Lusikisiki and surrounding towns (particularly during holidays and special days). She (Xoliswa) is one of the strongest and longest-serving inkosi (Chiefs) in the Pondoland area, reigning for more than 10 years (by 2026). The pre-visit to her personal homestead was in line with traditional custom and protocol, whereby a person must appear in person before inkosi or inkosazana, to request a meeting and to explain its purpose. At this meeting it is customary to also bring a gift along to the inkosi. Which the company did.

The Chieftess approved the meeting and the team was invited to address the community. The Chieftess  called the meeting especially for the AES presentation. The meeting took place two days later, on the 12^th of February 2026. Below are pictures of the team presenting, demonstrating and engaging with the members of the community of Mbotyi. Chieftess Xoliswa was personally present at the meeting and she chaired it. This was a very welcome improvement on the Lambase experience. There the chief (inkosi Faku) approved the meeting on the very first day when the team requested it, but he had other pressing commitments and could not attend the meeting. He asked his Great Council members (amaphakathi) to facilitate our presentation. Which they did very well. 

The team arrived early for the meeting with the community to look at the facilities where they would be presenting and to prepare. They also used the time to walk around the community and learn more about the community.

The Chieftess approved the meeting and the team was invited to address the community. The Chieftess  called the meeting especially for the AES presentation. The meeting took place two days later, on the 12^th of February 2026. Below are pictures of the team presenting, demonstrating and engaging with the members of the community of Mbotyi. Chieftess Xoliswa was personally present at the meeting and she chaired it. This was a very welcome improvement on the Lambase experience. There the chief (inkosi Faku) approved the meeting on the very first day when the team requested it, but he had other pressing commitments and could not attend the meeting. He asked his Great Council members (amaphakathi) to facilitate our presentation. Which they did very well.

Amandla Emvelo attracted a large crowd due to the relationship and influence of the chieftess and the hunger and need of people in rural South Africa to learn about solar and for them to have access to the power. These are parts of South Africa that are challenging to access and are largely ignored. Amandla Emvelo is able to draw on deep roots in the culture, the location, and the environment.