The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC, Rev. Thulasizwe Buthelezi, yesterday tabled the departments R1.8 billion budget before the KZN Legislature. The budget is aimed at bolstering traditional leadership, enhancing local governance, and driving community development in KwaZulu-Natal.
A cornerstone of the budget is the empowerment of amakhosi as cultural custodians. The department will partner with higher education institutions to provide targeted training, building capacity within the institution of traditional leadership.
To foster collaboration and address challenges faced by traditional communities, MEC Buthelezi announced the KwaZulu-Natal INDABA, a summit bringing together government officials, amakhosi, academics, and other stakeholders. The INDABA will focus on challenges facing the institution of traditional leadership and come up with innovative solutions that will be to the benefit of communities and amakhosi.
To address longstanding challenges of succession disputes within royal families, MEC Buthelezi announced the formation of a panel composed of abantwana basendlunkulu. This panel will leverage their cultural authority and deep understanding of traditional practices to help families resolve disputes. Their goal is to achieve fair and culturally sensitive resolutions, uphold the legitimacy of traditional leadership, and foster community unity.
The budget also earmarks R352 million for strengthening local government. A new approach emphasizing accountability and collaboration will be implemented, with a focus on improving municipal performance in governance, finance, and service delivery. To support struggling municipalities, the department will develop a Municipal Support Improvement Plan and a Provincial Discretionary Intervention Standard Operating Procedure.
Infrastructure development, disaster management, and local economic support will receive R257 million. This funding will enhance the department’s ability to respond to disasters and assist municipalities in maximizing grant expenditure.
The administrative arm of COGTA will be allocated R490 million to optimize departmental operations and foster a skilled workforce. This investment aims to create an environment conducive to sustainable development in KwaZulu-Natal.
MEC Buthelezi emphasized the importance of these initiatives in achieving a developmental state and improving the lives of the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
Issued by: KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs