Monarchs air their grievances

The government disrespects us, say E Cape royals

MONARCHS in the Eastern Cape have vented their anger to Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize over perceived poor treatment by the government.

The royals told the minister and his delegation that royals were being disrespected and obstructed by the state. They complained that when their official cars broke down they were not given courtesy cars.

They were also upset that one of their kings, Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, was still in jail.

Mkhize was bombarded with complaints when visiting acting AbaThembu King Azenathi Dalindyebo, AmaXhosa King Mpendulo Sigcawu and Western Mpondoland King Ndamase Ndamase.

Dalindyebo and his lieutenants explained how difficult it was for royals to work when their cars were in for repairs.

Dalindyebo then read from the government handbook which stated that if, after three days the official vehicle was not back from repairs, a courtesy vehicle was to be hired.

“But now it has been months that I do not have the official vehicle. Bhisho says that there is no money to hire a vehicle for me.”

Dalindyebo also complained about flights for monarchs.

“It is written [in the handbook] that I must be accompanied on a trip by no more than three traditional councillors. But we have been faced with a situation where Bhisho says there are no funds for flights for us,” he said. King Sigcawu told Mkhize said that he was supposed to visit his subjects in Zimbabwe this week, but was informed by officials that there was no money to hire him a vehicle.

Sigcawu’s adviser Nkosi Xolile Ndevu told the minister: “This has left the king enraged. This smacks of an insult. Since the king’s car has been in for repairs the king has been struggling to travel.

“Our king is stranded without a car,” said Ndevu.

The royals also complained about:

● Lack of administration staff for their offices;

● No bodyguards and no security at their great places; and

● Inconsistency and unequal treatment of kings in South Africa with some receiving preferential treatment.

Mkhize donated an Nguni heifer to each of the three kings.