Politicians may pass laws to weaken traditional leaders, but come election time, they still beg for rural votes controlled by chiefs, writes Celani Sikakhane in his Royal Mzansi column.
The truth is that traditional leaders have huge power in rural areas that makes politicians look weak. These are loyal people who will change parties overnight if their chief or king tells them to.
Politicians have tried to make traditional leaders less powerful by passing laws. They gave them seats in councils but took away their right to vote, treating them like decorations at a party.
But when elections come, these same proud politicians suddenly become polite and respectful. They line up at royal homes with their hands out, desperate to reach communities.
Traditional leaders have such strong support that when they decide to back a different party, their whole community follows. This loyalty makes politicians’ weak support look pathetic.
Even kings and queens have become regular stops for desperate politicians looking for votes. Visiting palaces is now as normal as holding rallies.
This rural vote has even forced politicians who know nothing about tradition to learn quickly. Suddenly, everyone is bringing cattle as gifts, even those who grew up in cities and have never seen a kraal.
DA Federal Chair Helen Zille once stupidly called these cattle gifts “bribes” because she couldn’t understand why politicians should bring presents in a democracy. She complained that leaders should campaign without giving gifts.
But rural communities made it clear – they respect politicians who show respect to their traditional leaders. Those who don’t can go campaign somewhere else.
Pictured above: Traditional leaders still command serious support in rural communities more than politicians.
Image source: File
