Traditional leaders recognised for their hard work
“The only time our existence is acknowledged by the government leaders is when the streets are set on fire and they want us to intervene.”
Duduza – Sixteen traditional leaders received recognition for their hard work from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) at an event held in Dunnottar over the weekend.
The kings from various royal houses who received honorary doctorates include Usgcwelengcwele Ubekizizwe Marius Ngema, Simon Mabena, Mdlaedwa Mayongo Cheelo Mpembe, Nala Malefetsane and Thembinkosi Mlungwana.
The chiefs and indunas received various recognition certificates for the continued role they play in the community.
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This was for their continued efforts in restoring peace and community development projects in their communities over the years.
Speaking during the ceremony, Ngema said they are pleading with the newly elected local government leaders to not only remember them in bad times but also during development talks in their communities.
The president of Hlanganani Makhosi Ohlanga, Ngema, said they are tired of being used as political pawns during political unrests.
“The only time our existence is acknowledged by government leaders is when the streets are set on fire and they want us to intervene.
“During the recent looting unrest in Gauteng and KZN, we were called to plead with our people to put down their weapons, but immediately after that we were forgotten again,” he said.
He explained that this is the same thing they did after the dawn of democracy.
They stressed that their role in the communities they lead cannot only be reduced to resolving civil, marital and divorce disputes.
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They want to be involved during the nomination of councillor candidates in their wards, invited to council meetings and be part of the decision-makers concerning the developments in their communities.
They refuse to only be called when there are opportunities to loot in their name.
Basotho king Mdlaedwa Mayongo Cheelo Mpembe from Qwaqwa added they are tired of seeing construction companies moving into the communities without them being consulted.
“We want to be invited to the negotiation tables and be part of the decision-makers.
“The land and people don’t belong to the government but the royal house,” he added.
He stressed that there has to be a budget set aside for all the royal houses, which will go towards the development of traditional communities.
“Traditional leaders need to be upskilled to be able to become informed leaders in their communities,” he added.
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