Ulundi, 03 July 2025 – The institution of traditional leadership in KwaZulu-Natal embarked on a new chapter today. This significant development prioritises the aspirations of Amakhosi as public office bearers by providing them with tangible services, akin to those extended to other office bearers like Members of Parliament and Councillors.
The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, today, unveiled the “Amakhosi Legacy Plan.” Through this plan, all KwaZulu-Natal Amakhosi will gain access to Medical Aid, a Pension Fund, and investments. These provisions are designed to offer them and their families essential security, dignity, and peace of mind even post retirement.
According to MEC Buthelezi, this programme, which is being first rolled out to Amakhosi, will also be rolled out to Traditional Council Secretaries and Izinduna.
Addressing the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, MEC Buthelezi unveiled the Amakhosi Legacy Plan, a new program designed to tangibly improve the lives of traditional leaders. “This initiative,” MEC Buthelezi stated, “aims to provide Amakhosi with peace of mind, ensuring they can build a lasting legacy for their families and retire securely. We are confident that this program, by providing a pension, will enable Amakhosi to enjoy their post-retirement years with financial stability.”
The Chairperson for the KZN Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Inkosi Sifiso Shinga, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Amakhosi. He welcomed the programme provided by the MEC as a significant breakthrough for Amakhosi and their families. Inkosi Shinga noted that since MEC Buthelezi’s appointment as MEC for COGTA, Amakhosi have experienced tangible change, with a number of practical programmes aimed at uplifting and empowering them being implemented across the province.
During the meeting, MEC Buthelezi introduced the team from Standard Bank, through whom these packages will be facilitated. He extended his thanks to the bank’s management and staff for their diligent work in developing a relevant and feasible product for Amakhosi.
Furthermore, the MEC handed over laptops, printers, and data cards to Amakhosi participating in the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Programme, in which aims to capacitate Amakhosi in Leadership, Governance and Administration.