Address by Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Hon. Thami Ntuli on the Leadership of Archbishop Thabo Makgoba during the Gala Dinner held at Coastlands Umhlanga on 24 June 2025
INTRODUCTION
It is with profound respect and admiration that I stand before you to acknowledge and at the same time, to celebrate the exemplary leadership of His Excellency the Rev. Dr Archbishop Thabo Makgoba.
A beacon of moral courage and integrity in our nation, Archbishop Makgoba's journey from the mountains of Makgoba’s Kloof to becoming the youngest Archbishop of Cape Town, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice, education, and spiritual guidance.
In his address on "Integrity in Leadership," Archbishop Makgoba emphasized the importance of aligning our actions with the values enshrined in our Constitution, advocating for a society rooted in democratic values, social justice, and human rights.
As Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, I particularly draw inspiration from Archbishop Makgoba's emphasis on ethical governance and social justice, values that resonate with our provincial priorities of driving inclusive economic growth, reducing poverty, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.
It is thus a privilege to have government bring together on this COGTA Leadership Series what many erroneously may see as distinct and discontinuous institutions – Traditional Leadership and the Leadership of the Church.
For this opportunity I wish to extend to MEC for COGTA Rev. Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the sincere appreciation of our provincial government and people of KwaZulu-Natal.
At its inception here in KwaZulu-Natal, the broader Church found fertile ground because it was met with people who were already deeply spiritual and were therefore ready to germinate into the body of the Faith Community.
As custodians of ancestral heritage, traditional leaders and members of our faith-based communities are united under the guiding philosophy of Ubuntu and the dictum ”umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu”.
In an era of rapid change and democratic rule, we must never be tired of bringing together these leaders of our society together, to serve as a bridge between the wisdom of the past, and the promise of the future.
TRADITIONAL LEADERSHIP: An Institution linking the past to the present
Traditional Leadership in South Africa is not merely a vestige of history it is a living, vital expression of community, identity, and moral responsibility. Rooted in ancestral continuity, it represents forms of governance shaped by kinship and communal values, grounded spaces of inclusive counsel such as Izimbizo and other community gatherings. Traditional leadership is grounded in belonging, responsibility, and social cohesion.
Drawing on Christian ethics and the biblical notion of servant leadership, Archbishop Makgoba once affirmed the call that:
“We must walk the walk and talk the talk—modelling servant leadership exercised for the wellbeing of those entrusted to us; taking special care of the suffering and needy; standing in solidarity with the marginalised and excluded…”
CALLING FOR COLLABORATION IN NATIONBUILDING
We must form respectful partnerships with government, NGOs, and the youth, contributing our unique strengths to healing, development, and identity.
Our leadership has an opportunity to be responsive to the destabilising impact of:
▪ Genderbased Violence and Femicide;
▪ Economic marginalization and poverty;
▪ Environmental degradation and climate justice;
Together we are called to protect the vulnerable, advocate for equitable development, and to safeguard our natural heritage.
Conclusion
I pray for the unity of purpose between the Church and Traditional Leaders in cementing a renewed commitment to morality and to regenerate a new energy of nation-building among the people of KwaZulu-Natal
An organic collaborative relationship between the Church and Traditional Leaders will yield more peace, more development and better communities.
May we work shoulder to shoulder- government, religious and civic institutions, and the youth - to fashion a future rooted in ancestral wisdom while embracing our Christian values towards a KwaZulu-Natal that inspires hope for a better future.
Thank you. God bless you all.
Siyathokoza!