DANNHAUSER, AMAJUBA DISTRICT, Following a crucial stakeholder engagement yesterday, the MEC Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi has vowed to intervene decisively in ongoing disputes between mining companies and traditional leadership in the region.
The meeting, which saw a full turnout of all local Amakhosi, led by iNkosi Zwane, was called to address severe governance lapses by mining entities operating within traditional jurisdictions. There were 11 Amakhosi present in total, with no apologies received, signaling a unified stance on the matter.
Amakhosi raised sharp grievances regarding mining companies operating with total disregard for local leadership and communities. Traditional leaders noted that mining entities frequently execute operations without informing or consulting them, leaving Amakhosi unable to account to community members who look to them for answers.
During the submissions, iNkosi Gule firmly asserted that traditional leadership must be formal stakeholders in the mining licensing process, stating that no mining licenses should be issued without explicit consultation with the local iNkosi. He further emphasized the urgent need to address the environmental degradation caused by unregulated mining activities.
Additionally, iNkosi Mabaso called for strengthened unity among Amakhosi and asked the MEC to intervene in helping them to bring agricultural assistance to them which hampers their ability to support community farming initiatives despite their willingness to do so.
Responding to the leadership, the MEC expressed deep concern over the current state of affairs, noting that the current agreements with mining companies yield zero benefits for local communities or traditional councils.
“It is unacceptable that mining companies extract wealth from the land while leaving the traditional council and the community with nothing. We need total unity among Amakhosi and must actively discourage associations that seek to divide the traditional leadership,” the MEC said.
The MEC further called for long-term structural and legislative reforms to protect the institution of traditional leadership:
Constitutional Amendments: The MEC highlighted a fundamental flaw in the legislative framework, noting that while the roles of Ministers and Mayors are constitutionally defined, the roles and powers of Amakhosi remain marginalized. The MEC advocated for urgent constitutional amendments to clearly define the powers of traditional affairs, including standardized incentives and travel allowances.
Municipal Budget Integration: The MEC proposed that Amakhosi must be directly integrated into municipal budget processes, ensuring that dedicated funds are allocated directly to traditional council structures.
Capacity Building & Agriculture: In response to requests for capacity, the MEC committed to bringing agricultural resources and tools to support locals while restoring institutional trust. The MEC instructed the Mayor of Amajuba to bring tools that will assist the unemployed youth with the means to start their businesses. The Mayor will visit on the 8th of July to distribute tools such as grass cutters and other equipment to help them start their enterprises. The MEC vowed to support the youth so they can build a sustainable livelihood, bringing welcome and amazing news for the youth of Dannhauser.
Moving forward, the MEC has committed to convening a comprehensive follow-up meeting involving all Amakhosi in the Amajuba District, relevant family structures, and all mining and governmental stakeholders to chart a transparent, legally binding path forward.
ISSUED BY:
KwaZulu-Natal
Department of Cooperative
Governance and Traditional Affairs
