DURBAN - KWAZULU-NATAL Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Sipho Hlomuka told izinduna yesterday that the long-standing issue of their backpay was still in discussion with the national government.
Hlomuka was speaking at the special imbizo for traditional leaders from Ugu, Ilembe district and eThekwini Metro which was held yesterday at KwaDukuza Town Hall in Stanger.
The imbizo aimed to address challenges that were faced by the institution of traditional leadership in KZN.
Among the things discussed were the killings of and attacks on the amakhosi and izinduna. Last year there were several such attacks and murders.
Asked about the backpay issue, Hlomuka said the matter was being discussed with the national department.
“It is also being discussed by the president’s office, provincial treasury and Cogta. We are hoping we will get the response at the right time,” he said.
The Mercury reported last year that there were about 2 700 izinduna in the province owed close to R1.4 billion in salary backpay by the provincial government.
Hlomuka condemned the attacks on the amakhosi and izinduna, saying that it was inhumane and that the nation should be protecting their traditional leaders.
“When a king is killed, the nation dies. The government alone will not be able to do everything. We have a shortage of police officers in South Africa. For us to fight crime, we need to work together with the police,” he said.
He urged the amakhosi to work together with ward councillors because they all played different roles in their communities.
Hlomuka expressed gratitude to the mayors who attended the imbizo. Among them was eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda.
THE MERCURY