Question NW1813 to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
27 September 2021 - NW1813
Mkhaliphi, Ms HO to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
What (a) number of traditional disputes has she resolved in each province in the past five years, (b) are the relevant details of each dispute and (c) number of traditional leaders (i) receive and (ii) do not receive a stipend in the Republic?
Reply:
a) In terms of disputes at the level of kingship or queenship, the AmaZulu Kingship dispute is being attended to at national government level, and it was formally brought my attention in August 2021 and we are working with a Mediation Panel to assist the Royal family to resolve the dispute amicably. Other disputes at kingship or queenship level are those that were/are in the courts and they cannot therefore be dealt with by the Minister.
b) Limpopo Province
VaVhenda Kingship Dispute
One section of the Royal Family is challenging the recognition of the current King Toni Ramabulana as the King of VaVhenda in court. The matter is therefore being handled by the courts.
Bapedi Kingship Dispute
Following the passing of the late King of Bapedi, there is now disagreement on who should be the successor, the acting king/queen or the regent. One section of the Royal Family has taken the matter to court for the court to rule on the matter.
Eastern Cape
Amaxhosa Kingship Dispute
One section of the Royal Family has taken Government to court, to challenge the recognition of the King.
AmamPondo Kingship Dispute
One section of the Royal Family has taken government to court after the recognition of His Majesty King Zanozuko as the King of AmaMpondo.
c) There are 882 Traditional Leaders in South Africa including kingship, queenship, principal and senior traditional leaders. All are remunerated in accordance with the Remuneration of Public Officers Act (Act 20 of 1998). The salaries of all legally recognized traditional leaders are paid by provinces from their respective budgets.