DURBAN - KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Sipho Hlomuka was set to convene an urgent imbizo with amakhosi and izinduna on Thursday, to discuss challenges faced by the institution of traditional leadership, including the spate of amakhosi killings.
An imbizo was held at Acacia Civic Centre in Ladysmith, with amakhosi and izinduna from the uThukela, uMzinyathi and Amajuba districts.
Officials from government departments and law enforcement agencies formed part of the imbizo.
“The imbizo will provide an opportunity for amakhosi and izinduna from the three Districts to make their input on ways to resolve some of the challenges faced by the institution of traditional leadership within the province,” said Hlomuka before the time.
He added that the institution is plagued with challenges, among them being the killing of amakhosi.
“In the last two weeks, the institution of traditional leadership was rocked by the assassinations of two amakhosi Ibambabukhosi Mzomuhle Zondi in Nkandla which happened on November 10 and Inkosi Hlanganani Biyela, in Ndlangubo (near eMpangeni) who was murdered on November 13,” Hlomuka said.
Inkosi Biyela served as the chairperson of the King Cetshwayo Local House of Traditional Leaders.
Both amakhosi were shot dead by unknown gunmen while they were in their homes.
Hlomuka described the assassinations as a disgrace, and called upon law enforcement agencies to redouble their efforts in apprehending the killers.
“As the provincial government, we are concerned about the killings that are threatening to destabilise the institution of traditional leadership in our province.”
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