KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi
Image: FILE
Ubumbano Lwezinduna in KwaZulu-Natal has taken aim at the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, accusing him of causing divisions among traditional leaders. In a statement, the organisation, which represents izinduna, levelled a litany of allegations against MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi.
Among the complaints, they argue that the distribution of cars to some traditional leaders has caused further divisions within the institution. The department, however, pushed back against this, stating that they view the accusation as a smear campaign.
The organisation stated, “The MEC’s divisive tactics are detrimental to our community. We oppose the divide-and-rule approach in distributing tools of trade, including vehicles, which has marginalised certain AmaKhosi. The MEC has used tactics such as distributing tents and mobile fridges to divide AmaKhosi, creating divisions and favouritism. We stand with marginalised AmaKhosi and Izinduna and urge communities to support them.”
On the issue of the safety of traditional leaders, the organisation said, “We appreciate the efforts of the South African Police Killing Task Team (PKTT) in investigating these murders and supporting affected families. However, we are denied a platform to address these issues within the department.”
The organisation spoke of its own challenges with the department. It said while the department is trying its best to be seen as acting on behalf of traditional leadership, the current administration is denying Ubumbano Lwezinduna—an organisation that previously fought for the stipend, back payment, and well-being of Izinduna—and Contralesa, the organisation that operates in all provinces and led to the establishment of Houses of Traditional Leaders and the Traditional Affairs business unit within COGTA—representation.
“This MEC is denying these organisations the right to represent their members. The MEC is reminded that state funds belong to the people and should be utilised for the benefit of all. We will not tolerate the misuse of these funds for personal or political gain. We strongly condemn the MEC's actions and demand immediate action to address these grievances. We would like to witness the COGTA Portfolio doing its oversight as entrusted by the citizens of South Africa and the people of KwaZulu-Natal with their votes. We share the same view with those who see this MEC as a divisive factor in the traditional leadership institution,” it said.
In response to the allegations, the Department of Cooperative Governance stated that it views the claim as part of a smear campaign against the MEC. “We have no clue as to what Ubumbano Lwezinduna is talking about. What is clear is that there is a concerted campaign to discredit the reforms that MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi has introduced into the institution of traditional leadership in this province.”