Government releases R34.1m for Amakhosi

Traditional councils in the Ugu district and the rest of the province will benefit from a R34.1m fund from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta).

KZN Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi announced this during a meeting with Amakhosi in Ulundi last week.

The MEC said these funds collected from traditional levies, including accrued interest held in a trust by the department, will be returned to the respective traditional authorities from January 6.

Buthelezi’s announcement was welcomed, indicating a positive development in the department’s approach to supporting Amakhosi.

The chairperson of the KZN Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Inkosi Phathisizwe Shinga, expressed his support, noting the positive impact of the move.

Meanwhile, Buthelezi said the distribution of funds was part of ongoing efforts by the department to decentralise and strengthen the autonomy of traditional authorities and Amakhosi as bona fide leaders of their respective communities.

The MEC said the department was committed to strengthening and enhancing the institution of traditional leadership, both legally and economically.

“This initiative empowers traditional leaders and their communities, ensuring that the funds are used to address community needs identified by Amakhosi. We are committed to working with Amakhosi to ensure that rural development takes place and is led by them,” said Buthelezi.

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