KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli joined His Majesty King Misuzulu KaZwelithini during the official opening of the Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders held at the Old Legislature Building in Ulundi.
The opening took place during Human Rights Month and marked five years since the passing of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini, who had been a regular participant in the official proceedings of the House.
Strengthening the Role of Traditional Leadership
Premier Ntuli’s participation reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s commitment to recognising and strengthening the role of traditional leadership in promoting social cohesion, rural development and community stability.
The Premier emphasised that traditional leaders remain key partners in addressing societal challenges, including crime and Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F), particularly within rural communities.
Endorsement of Government Leadership
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders endorsed the progress achieved under the leadership of Premier Ntuli, following a focused post-State of the Province Address engagement between the Premier and the Executive of the House.
Led by its Chairperson, Inkosi R.S. Shinga, the delegation commended the Premier’s decisive leadership in strengthening traditional governance, improving alignment between government and traditional institutions, and advancing shared developmental priorities.
The House further acknowledged the Premier’s inclusive and consultative leadership style, noting that it has enhanced cooperation between government and traditional leaders in driving social cohesion, rural development and effective governance across KwaZulu-Natal.
Advancing Institutional Capacity
Traditional leaders welcomed steps taken by the Provincial Government to professionalise the institution of traditional leadership, including the approval of a full-time Executive Committee for the House. This development is expected to strengthen institutional capacity, coordination and accountability.
The House reaffirmed its commitment to working with government to address key challenges such as social ills, land management and inclusive economic growth, with a strong focus on local economic development.
Cooperative Governance and Development
Inkosi Ngangendlovu Mchunu of Msinga emphasised the importance of cooperative governance, noting that traditional institutions must be positioned as integral partners in delivering sustainable development solutions at community level.
The meeting also addressed matters relating to the Ingonyama Trust Board, with Premier Ntuli confirming that he had been consulted by the National Minister regarding the decision to disband the Board. He encouraged meaningful participation by traditional leaders in shaping sustainable solutions to ensure the Trust fulfils its mandate of advancing rural development.
Shared Vision for KwaZulu-Natal
Premier Ntuli noted that the engagement with the Provincial House followed a bilateral session with His Majesty King Misuzulu, highlighting a shared vision between government and traditional leadership to build resilient communities, strengthen governance systems and accelerate development across the province.
“Our partnership with traditional leaders is not ceremonial - it is strategic. We recognise Amakhosi and traditional leadership as vital agents of social cohesion, rural development and ethical governance,” said Premier Ntuli.
The official opening of the Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders reaffirmed the central role of traditional institutions in governance and development, as well as the continued commitment of the Provincial Government to work collaboratively in building a more inclusive and prosperous KwaZulu-Natal.
ENDS