King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and a new generation of traditional leaders in KwaZulu-Natal are demanding more than mere ceremonial roles – they want a real say in government decisions.
This new breed of Amakhosi no longer wish to be toothless council members in local government with no real power.
Their frustration was made clear when King Misuzulu addressed the KZN legislature, saying traditional leaders should not be seen as mere ceremonial figures.
“There is a temptation to regard the Crown as a mere ceremonial artefact, to be occasionally taken out during ceremonies of only one section of the population,” he said.
King Misuzulu stressed the potential for traditional leaders to uplift the province through tourism, cooperative governance, and fighting crime.
He demanded that the government give traditional leaders a meaningful role in decision-making and asked “uBukhosi [traditional leaders] not to resist changes that our times necessitate”.
His call comes after traditional leaders voiced concerns about being undermined and used as ceremonial figures by politicians.
Traditional leaders currently participate in council meetings but cannot vote on budget or municipal decisions.
Inkosi Sakhile Mdlalose from Vryheid said it is very frustrating to attend council meetings in the municipality and be told they are not allowed to make any comments or vote.
“I was once a member of the Abaqulusi municipality as a traditional leader. The law was clear to us that we couldn’t vote for the budget which in fact affected our clans. And we were told not to make any comments on issues of the council.
“We want our powers back that we used to have before political parties and the arrival of colonialism,” said Mdlalose.
During the installation of Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi of the Buthelezi clan last month, it was clear that traditional leaders wanted their roles respected and recognised.
“Your Majesty, it’s time for traditional leaders to take a stand and abolish the government’s tendency of turning us into trophies,” said Buthelezi. “Just because you have resources doesn’t mean you should dictate to us.
“Honourable Premier, you need to know that you don’t do us any favours. This needs to come to an end.”
Pictured above: King Misuzulu kaZwelithini and Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi want a more meaningful role for traditional leaders.
