Ulundi – During a quarterly meeting with the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, members House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders expressed their appreciation for the unwavering support they have received from the department.
The KZN Traditional House convened with MEC Sithole-Moloi on Thursday at the Old Legislature in Ulundi for their quarterly meetings, focused on matters concerning traditional affairs programs.
Over the past few months, the department has achieved significant milestones in traditional affairs, including the distribution of cell phones to amakhosi, back-pay of Izinduna, the provision of essential working tools to Secretaries of Traditional Councils, and productive engagements with Ondlunkulu.
MEC Sithole-Moloi provided updates on pressing issues that the department has been addressing in support of traditional leadership.
This included progress made in the payment of Izinduna. MEC Sithole-Moloi reported to the house that to date, the department has disbursed back pay to 2,561 Izinduna, representing 85% of the total, as announced during the budget speech earlier this year.
The remaining 443 Izinduna are awaiting payment pending the finalization of their estates by their families following their passing.
MEC Sithole Moloi also acknowledged concerns regarding the tax imposed on these payments and is currently arranging meetings with the South African Revenue Services to clarify the process for Izinduna.
MEC Sithole-Moloi further announced a new law that has been passed by President Cyril Ramaphosa last month, the Traditional Courts Act 9 of 2022, which will delineate the processes and functions of traditional councils.
She said the department will initiate an educational campaign for amakhosi to understand the implications and benefits of this new law in promoting traditional councils.”Our objective is to offer support to all Amakhosi and their programs.
Through our discussions with Ondlunkulu, we aim to revive community economic activities so that traditional councils are recognized for their contributions. By doing so, we hope to alleviate poverty and combat unemployment, as Amakhosi and Ondlunkulu lead economic initiatives for the overall benefit of their communities,” said Sithole-Moloi.
MEC Sithole-Moloi also outlined the department’s plans for capacity building among amakhosi and economic programs designed to uplift amakhosi and Ondlunkulu, with the ultimate goal of improving the well-being of their communities.
In response to MEC Sithole-Moloi’s remarks, Inkosi Ngqayizivele Sithole, Deputy Chairperson of the KZN Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, expressed gratitude for her achievements since assuming office. He emphasized the delight of Amakhosi in the department’s support and the effectiveness of all committees that aid the Traditional House.”MEC, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the work you have undertaken since taking office.
From providing amakhosi with cell phones and settling the back pay of Izinduna to furnishing our traditional secretaries with essential tools such as laptops with internet access, we genuinely appreciate your tireless efforts.
We also applaud your initiatives, particularly your meetings with Ondlunkulu and female Izinduna to address empowerment matters.
We are grateful for the positive outcomes facilitated by our government’s support and eagerly anticipate the realization of our pending plans and programs,” said Inkosi Sithole.
Ends_Issued by KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs_