Appeal for government intervention to curb killing of Amakhosi in KZN

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Government must come up with urgent solutions to curb the killing of Amakhosi and Izinduna in KwaZulu-Natal. That’s the call made by traditional leaders in the King Cetshwayo District. At least 55 traditional leaders have been killed in the province since 2019.

Traditional leaders play a pivotal role in bringing peace and stability to many rural areas across the province. Inkosi Nsikayezwe Cebekhulu has been at the helm of the Cebekhulu Clan for over three decades now. He says there have been several attempts on his life since assuming this role.

Cebekhulu says government must double its efforts in ensuring that traditional leaders are protected. Two weeks ago, a headman who served under the Shabalala Traditional Council, was killed in northern KZN.

“There must be a common understanding between all stakeholders including government that Amakhosi are vital in society. This will make their role important and recognised,” says Inkosi Nsikayezwe Cebekhulu.

“He has survived many attempts on his life. We hear that government has done something about this issue but we have not seen any change because many of us remain vulnerable,” says Inkosi Thembinkosi Xulu.

The South African Local Government Association says this scourge is as a result of criminality. It says there can be no development in rural areas without traditional leaders.

Meanwhile, the King Cetshwayo District has begun the construction of a R14 million chamber that will be used by traditional leaders to perform their duties.

The project is expected to be completed soon.