KZN govt shows respect for traditional leaders

KwaZulu-Natal premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has reaffirmed the provincial government’s support for the Zulu royal family and the chiefs.

Delivering the State of the Province Address in Pietermaritzburg on Wednesday, Dube-Ncube said the provincial government recognised the existential right of the traditional leadership. She highlighted several programmes that the government had embarked on to show support for traditional leaders in the province.

“Over the past years we have fenced all six palaces, bought vehicles for the queen mother and the queens of uMdlokombane, provided financial support for education of Amazinyane and continue to render financial support for all Imikhosi yase Ndlunkulu.

“We continue to provide administrative and logistical support for the monarch. We are finalising plans to build a new palace for the king in Nongoma. The government of KwaZulu-Natal respects and values the institution of traditional leadership.”

During her department’s budget vote presentation in April last year, Dube-Ncube announced an increased budget for the royal family to R79 million for the 2023-2024 financial year, from R67 million the previous year.

Dube-Ncube also highlighted salary increases for chiefs and traditional leaders. “Prior to 2004, Amakhosi received a meagre salary of R5 000 a month and izinduna received no salaries or stipends at all.

“Government has since increased the salary of Amakhosi to R279 000 per year, representing more than 300% increase over the past 20 years,” said Dube-Ncube.

The provincial government was also providing nine chiefs with personal protection.