Izinduna demand chieftaincy certificate
TRADITIONAL army officers of the Ophindweni clan in Gingindlovu have threatened to intensify protests to force provincial government to officially recognise their newly-appointed Inkosi.
Members took to the street last week demanding Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC Sipho Hlomuka treat this matter with urgency.
The warriors' Chief Commander Mthuliseni Nkwanyana said during their protest last week an official from Cogta promised a certificate would be delivered on Tuesday, but this did not occur.
‘This Tuesday, we had no intention of staging a protest, but planned to welcome them from the main road as a sign of respect,' said Nkwanyana.
'But when we received the news they were no longer coming, emotions became high and our warriors were irritated.
‘But we managed to cool them down.
‘We no longer want to deal with Cogta officials, we want MEC Hlomuka or Premier Sihle Zikalala to deal with this matter themselves.
‘Our late Inkosi Themba Nzuza died in June 2020 and Cogta advised the family that a new Inkosi must be appointed within six months.
'That was done; the Nzuza family appointed Inkosi Mfundo to succeed his late father. His family and the entire Nzuza clan asked him to resign from his permanent job, but the government is delaying their process. He is not being paid like other Amakhosi.
'At the tribal court, they use an old rubber stamp bearing the name of the late Inkosi because the government is delaying recognising our Inkosi.
‘This Sunday, all commanders will meet to pave the way forward. We want the government to provide our Inkosi with a certificate. We won't rest until our mission is accomplished,’ said Nkwanyana.
Cogta spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila said his department cannot respond to these allegations and demands as they are can liaise only with the family.
‘The policy stipulates that an Inkosi has to be appointed by the family. So we cannot interact or entertain anyone who is not a member of the family,’ Mzila said.