On the 7 th of March 2023, the Old Legislature in Ulundi was brimming with colourful traditional attires and cultural performances, as part of the day’s celebrations on the opening of the KwaZulu-
Natal Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders.
The opening of the house, which was presided over by His Majesty, the King of the Zulu nation, Misuzulu kaZwelithini, marked a significant moment in the province’s yearly calendar. The day also
signified the importance of this institution in promoting the interests of communities and preserving culture since traditional leaders are custodians of heritage and tradition.
Addressing the house, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said this day is quite significant as it marks the first time that King Misuzulu opens the provincial house, since his ascension to the
throne.
Premier Dube-Ncube said that the day shows how hard and dedicated amakhosi work for and with the people of the KwaZulu-Natal province. “As the provincial government we would like to commit ourselves to work with traditional leaders and trust that this relationship will be a stepping stone in ensuring development within our communities in KZN”, she said.
The Premier also noted the preventive measures that are currently in progress, in ensuring the safety of traditional leaders and holding accountable the perpetrators who are responsible for several murders that have taken place in the province.
“We have established the Community Safety Intervention which will deal with ensuring the safety of amakhosi in their respective communities, and this intervention will work closely with the police and other safety stakeholders”, said Dube-Ncube.
Delivering the keynote address and the official opening of the house, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini said the new culture of taking traditional issues and disputes to courts, affects and jeopardizes the image
of the royal household and traditional leadership at large. The King also expressed his concern over the lack of communication between his office as the royal household, and amakhosi.
“It is your responsibility as traditional leaders to approach me as your King, so that we can easily accelerate whatever internal issues we are faced with as traditional leaders”, said Misuzulu.
“I do wish to remind you about your roles and responsibilities as the pillar of the royal household, because nothing can happen or succeed within the royal household without your support”, he
added.
At the end of his address, Amakhosi also awarded iNdunankulu (Prince Buthelezi) a lifetime award for his commitment to working and supporting the work of traditional leadership, and this was
handed over by King Misuzulu.
Delivering the vote of thanks, COGTA MEC Bongi Sithole-Moloi commended the provincial house for the solid partnership that it has with the provincial government in the pursuit of the common goal of
developing areas that are under amakhosi.
“The opening of the house today, by His Majesty the King, is an important chapter in ensuring that the institution of traditional leadership continues to be at the centre of development and the
protection of our customs and culture” said Sithole-Moloi.
Ends