Pietermaritzburg, 15 May 2026 – The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has extended an invitation to members of the Cogta Portfolio Committee to attend the June handover of 36 vehicles to Amakhosi, reaffirming government’s commitment to strengthening the institution of traditional leadership.
The upcoming handover of 36 vehicles will bring the total number of vehicles distributed to 67 within a period of four months. By 2029, all Traditional Councils in KwaZulu-Natal will have been allocated vehicles as part of this ongoing programme.
Addressing the Portfolio Committee today, MEC Buthelezi firmly dismissed allegations that the provision of tools of trade to Amakhosi is politically motivated. He described these claims as spurious and unfounded, noting that they reflect a lack of respect for the critical role played by Amakhosi in governance and community development.
The MEC emphasised that the department’s constitutional mandate places traditional leadership at its centre. “The work of Cogta extends beyond municipalities. We do not receive a cent for disaster funding or water infrastructure, as these allocations go directly to municipalities. It is therefore incorrect to reduce our mandate solely to municipal support,” said MEC Buthelezi.
He underscored that equipping Amakhosi with essential resources enhances service delivery, strengthens governance at a local level, and fosters closer collaboration between traditional authorities and the state.
MEC Buthelezi further called on the Portfolio Committee to support the department’s efforts to mobilise additional funding for programmes aimed at empowering Amakhosi, noting that such investment contributes meaningfully to social cohesion and rural development.
He also welcomed the robust oversight exercised by the Portfolio Committee, as well as the support expressed by its members for the department’s initiatives, describing this as a positive step towards advancing the dignity and effectiveness of traditional institutions across KwaZulu-Natal.
Ends.
