Question NW1629 to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
25 June 2021 - NW1629
Buthelezi, Ms SA to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether, in light of the upcoming imbizo called by the KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Member of the Executive Committee and their aides to address the recent spate of killings of Izinduna, Amakhosi and their aides, her department, on its own or in collaboration with other departments such as the SA Police Service, has taken any action to facilitate safety in rural areas over the years to safeguard the lives of traditional leaders and the broader rural community; if not, why not; if so, what are the further relevant details?
Reply:
The South African Police Services (SAPS) in partnership with the National House of Traditional and KhoiSan Leaders (NHTKL) and other stakeholders coordinate the implementation of the Rural Safety Strategy. The strategy primarily focuses on rural safety, including safety in traditional community areas.
In addition, the KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has advised that it has undertaken the following steps to address the recent killings of traditional leaders:
a) The Department entered into a Memorandum of Outstanding on 26 November 2020 with the Department of Safety and Liaison to foster safety and security in rural communities.
b) The Department of CoGTA met with the acting Provincial Commissioner, Mr. Zondi on 5 February 2021 to discuss progress on traditional leaders’ murder cases.
c) There are workshops planned for July 2021 that will be conducted for all local houses in partnerships with the Department of Safety and Liaison with the intent to create awareness on rural community safety strategies.
d) The Executive Council has also been apprised of the rampant killings of traditional leaders, which is a matter of concern.
e) An Imbizo has been planned and will soon be convened to communicate government interventions on Amakhosi and Izinduna killings.