ULUNDI, The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) notes with concern the recent media statement issued by the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA) regarding S.P. Mkhize and the Embo-Thimuni Traditional
Authority.
KZN COGTA wishes to set the record straight and clarify critical factual misrepresentations contained in that release.
First and foremost, S.P. Mkhize has never been recognized as Inkosi, he was nominated as Ibambabukhosi by uMndeni and recognized as such by government.
Following the demise of Inkosi Langalasembo Mkhize in 2021, S.P. Mkhize was nominated strictly as Ibambabukhosi (Regent)) in 2023 until the rightful heir assumed the seat.
Regrettably, there is a growing trend for regents to resist when the time comes for them to vacate the seat.
Government cannot allow the temporary nature of regency to be used to stall customary succession or undermine the rightful decisions of uMndeni
KZN COGTA is currently engaged with the Mkhize family on the succession issue to ensure that due process is followed, while giving full respect to uMndeni.
Cogta calls for calm and urges CONTRALESA to refrain from sensationalism
