Traditional leaders’ role undervalued says iNkosi

POLITICS is about land administration and community development, and that is precisely what traditional leaders have been doing all along.

So there is nothing strange about traditional leaders (Amakhosi) taking an active roles in politics.

That is the opinion of the head of the Obizo Traditional Council, iNkosi Nsikayezwe Russel Cebekhulu, expressing his concern about how the government has made Amakhosi ‘irrelevant’ in the country’s political landscape.

‘Our role as community leaders is being reduced by the current government. Look at Chapter 12 of the Constitution. It only recognizes the institution of traditional leadership, but it says nothing about the powers and functions of the Amakhosi.

‘This is contrary to Chapter 7 of the Constitution which gives powers and functions to Councillors. This is why we reject the idea of taking part in municipal council meetings, even though we have been invited by the government to attend.

‘The playing field has not been levelled between us as Amakhosi and the Councillors. What is the use of attending council meetings if you don’t have voting powers?’ iNkosi Cebekhulu said.

He takes it back to the volatile 1990s – ‘the most challenging years of my life as a community leader’.

‘I took over the reins at a time when political violence was at its peak.

‘More than 20 people lost their lives in what was described as a confrontation between ANC and IFP members in my area.

‘I was one of the victims of that violence. I was shot several times, but with the mercy of God, survived.

‘This was the time when many young people were chanting slogans that said the Amakhosi were no longer needed in the new dispensation.

‘One needs to credit the quality of leadership we had at that time, and the intervention of the police and SANDF who assisted to normalise the situation,’ he said.