Durban - Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi will approach the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Wednesday to stop KwaZulu-Natal’s upcoming election of traditional councils.
Buthelezi, who is the chief of the Buthelezi clan, wants the election to be held later this year to allow for proper preparations. He argues that the provincial department of traditional affairs did not follow correct procedures when preparing for the elections.
Traditional council elections are part of the government's attempts to instil democratic principles in traditional governance.
Traditional councils work closely with traditional leaders on issues of development and also in settling community disputes.
Under the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, only 60 percent of the council's members are appointed by the senior traditional leader. The rest must be democratically elected by the public.
The elections are scheduled to take place on February 19 throughout KwaZulu-Natal. They will be conducted by the Independent Electoral Commission. - Sapa