KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, presided over the handing over of vehicles to 16 Amakhosi from King Cetshwayo, uMkhanyakude and Zululand District Municipalities.

The Premier was joined by the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, and the Mayor of uMhlathuze Local Municipality, Councillor Xolani Ngwezi, during the ceremony which accorded honour, respect and dignity to the institution of Traditional Leadership.

In his address, Premier Ntuli said the vehicles are important tools of trade that will assist Amakhosi in monitoring service delivery and development programmes in areas under their jurisdiction.

The Premier emphasised that Amakhosi remain key partners of government, particularly in rural communities where traditional leaders continue to play a central role in promoting development, resolving conflicts and strengthening social cohesion.

He said the handover symbolised the Provincial Government’s ongoing collaboration with traditional leadership and its recognition of Amakhosi as front runners of service delivery, ambassadors of peace and custodians of conflict resolution in communities that fall under their leadership.

The vehicles, which brought joy and jubilation to the recipients, will enhance the capacity of Amakhosi to carry out their responsibilities more effectively and remain accessible to the communities they serve.

Premier Ntuli further reaffirmed that the Provincial Government will continue working closely with Amakhosi to restore dignity to traditional institutions, accelerate service delivery and advance development across KwaZulu-Natal.

The handover forms part of government’s broader commitment to empowering traditional leaders with the necessary support to serve their communities and contribute to building a united, peaceful and prosperous province.