Traditional leaders hail Ramaphosa

EASTERN Cape traditional leaders have congratulated ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa on being elected to the party’s top position.

The monarchs are hopeful that Ramaphosa’s election will mean the party’s relationship with them will be strengthened.

For years relations between traditional leaders and the ANC have been so strained that the former even threatened to contest the 2019 elections. However, they changed their mind after the ANC’s top leadership, including former president Jacob Zuma, granted them an audience.

The messages of congratulations came from AmaXhosa King Mpendulo Sigcawu, AmaRharhabe QueenRegent Noloyiso Sandile, AbaThembu Acting King Azenathi Dalindyebo, Western Thembuland King Siyambonga Matanzima, Eastern Mpondoland Queen-Regent MaSobhuza Sigcau, AmaMpondo King Zanozuko Sigcau and Western Mpondoland King Ndamase Ndamase.

The provincial leadership of Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa) also congratulated the party for having a violence-free conference. “This has set a very good example of democratic process,” said Sigcawu.

Contralesa secretary-general Zolani Mkiva and his Eastern Cape counterpart, Nkosi Mkhanyiseli Dudumayo, added their felicitations, saying Ramaphosa as party president was the best outcome for the ANC. “We congratulate President Ramaphosa and the collective elected. We wish them success in their responsibilities,” said Mkiva.