Call for state to respect traditional leaders

THE funeral of an Eastern Cape chief turned into a political rally as speakers lashed at President Jacob Zuma’s government for undermining traditional leaders and making the institution irrelevant.

Contralesa general secretary Chief Xolile Ndevu was speaking at the funeral of Chief Malizole Gcinizizwe Ndamase at MaMpondomiseni village near Ngqeleni yesterday, saying the state was not treating people living in rural areas with the respect they deserved as voters.

The funeral was attended by hundreds of people including Labour Deputy Minister Chief Phathekile Holomisa, UDM leader Bantu Holomisa, premier Phumulo Masualle, cooperative governance and traditional affairs MEC Fikile Xasa, agriculture MEC Mlibo Qoboshiyane as well as ANC spokesman Zizi Kodwa.

Among the royals were the Xhosa King Mpendulo Sigcawu, Western Mpondoland King Ndamase Ndamase as well as Western Thembuland King Dalimvula Matanzima.

Chief Ntandoyesizwe Ndamase said key to the challenges were delays by the state to pass the amended Traditional Courts Bill.

Ntandoyesizwe said the delays were caused by people from urban areas who were less concerned about people living in rural areas. If given the green light, the bill will strip powers from politicians such as the premier from deciding who should be a traditional leader. Premiers would have to concur with whatever recommendation an affected traditional council decides.

Chief Mkhanyiseli Dudumayo said it was also critical for the state to address the land question.

Ndevu echoed similar sentiments, saying the policies which undermined traditional leaders as central figures over control of communal land was a problem.

“A traditional leader is there because of the people and land. If you take that power away from traditional leaders you are doing the same thing that was done by colonial government when it took away land from our people,” said Ndevu.

Masualle said the challenges would be addressed if working relations between traditional leaders and the government were improved. —