The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling on the MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Leaders Affairs (CoGTA), Sipho Hlomuka, to investigate intimidation allegations of Amajuba Izinduna (Traditional Leader).
According to DA KZN leader Francois Rodgers, at the instruction of the Izinduna of the Amajuba District, the DA attended a direct and open engagement with local traditional leaders in Osizweni on Monday, 7 June 2021. In a statement, Rodgers said, “The reported intimidation by CoGTA officials of the Izinduna to not engage with the DA on matters concerning them is unacceptable and makes a mockery of our hard-fought democracy.”
Moreover, he stressed, “It further came to light that one of the officials has allegedly threatened the Izinduna with legal action for calling and attending the meeting. The DA rejects this form of intimidation in a constitutional democracy and as elected representatives and legislators we will continue to engage with every and all stakeholders in KZN. Quite simply CoGTA should focus on implementing its mandate.” Additionally, Rodgers said, “The DA continues to respect and acknowledge the importance of traditional leadership and the role that they fulfil in our communities. The delegation from the DA was made up of members of the KZN Legislature and councillors, led by myself.”
During the meeting on Monday, the Izinduna raised concerns about the poor communication and lack of interest displayed by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs when dealing with the challenges faced. “It was further highlighted that communication breakdowns and lack of support had collapsed since Sihle Zikalala had taken over the office of the Premier from Willies Mchunu,” stated Rodgers.
The greatest challenge raised at the engagement was the variations in remuneration received by the Izinduna and the unresolved matter of the back-pay. Numerous requests remain unanswered by CoGTA on the determination of remuneration with certain Izinduna apparently not receiving payment for months, as well as several Izinduna receiving an income despite not residing in the district.
The DA assured the matter would be pursued at a provincial level to find and resolve these questions.
Since the introduction of remuneration, Rodgers claims the DA has been evident in its call to the Premier that the province has inherited an unfunded mandate. “At the time President Jacob Zuma promulgated legislation for the remuneration of Izinduna. Our call was and still remains that this mandate needs to fulfilled by the National Treasury and not the province of KZN. A political solution needs to be found. This has not been achieved by the ANC and now the province finds itself unable to implement the mandate.” Concluding, Rodgers declared that the Premier must now act upon the concerns.
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