DURBAN - Ubumbano LweZinduna has accused the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional affairs (Cogta), in KwaZulu-Natal, of causing divisions between amakhosi and izinduna.
Cogta is accused of trying to destroy Ubumbano LweZinduna, an organisation that says it represents the interest of Izinduna. The organisation claims that Cogta is trying to get amakhosi to instruct izinduna to quit the organisation.
In a scathing letter, Ubumbano Lwezinduna names several officials that it claims are behind efforts to destabilise it.
Ubumbano LweZinduna has been at the forefront of the legal threats against the department, as it demands that the government must pay the R1.4 billion back-pay due to izinduna.
“We know that there was a meeting a few weeks ago, between Cogta and amakhosi, in Ulundi, and since amakhosi returned from that meeting, they have said they must take a position on Ubumbano Lwezinduna.
“They are now saying that Ubumbano has no right to take the government to court, and Izinduna, who are our members, are being intimidated to quit the organisation – failing which they will be fired,” said Phakamani Dlamini of Ubumbano lwezinduna.
“Since that meeting, our members in all ten districts are now shy to attend our meetings and many are on the verge of being fired because they are our members,” he said.
Cogta spokesperson Senzo Mzila declined to comment on the matter.
“The department does not wish to engage with Ubumbano through the media. The department has proper channels, which can be used by anyone wishing to engage with it,” said Mzila.
Cogta, in an additional statement, said it had noted the statements by Ubumbano.
Its said the organisation had made false allegations and defamed its officials and said it viewed this in a dim light. It said the allegations by Ubumbano lacked substance and was mischievous.
The department said it has an open door policy and welcomes engagement with the public and does not wish to engage with any particular stakeholder through the media.
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