Traditional leaders are meant to help protect women and children. But in many villages across South Africa, some are accused of doing the opposite, writes Celani Sikhakhane in Royal Mzansi column.
Women and children are still said to face abuse under some traditional councils. In some cases, they are forced to live under harsh rules that leave them powerless and afraid.
Some women are pushed out of their homes after their husbands die. They can also lose livestock and other property. This is because some traditional leaders still follow old apartheid-era rules that treat women and children as minors who cannot own property.
There are also cases where women and children face sexual abuse from people in positions of power.
This week, a 28-year-old traditional leader from eMpangeni in northern KwaZulu-Natal was arrested. Inkosi Minenhle Mthembu of the Somopho Traditional Council appeared in court on Wednesday.
According to court papers, Mthembu is facing charges of attempted rape and masturbating in front of the victim, who is a young girl. The case was postponed to 17 March 2026 for further investigation.
KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi said allegations of this kind are deeply troubling. He said he is watching the matter closely and that the legal process must be allowed to continue.
Reports and research have also pointed to high levels of violence against women in rural Limpopo. These reports link the abuse to patriarchal beliefs and traditional values. There have also been cases in the Eastern Cape where people in positions of power, including a traditional leader, were arrested for assaulting women.
Traditional leaders have been urged by the United Nations and others to help fight violence against women. But questions remain about why some leaders are not removed or punished when they face serious accusations, especially when wrongdoing is later proved in court.
The writer says King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo of the AbaThembu nation is the only traditional leader in South Africa who was arrested for abusing his people.
Pictured above: King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo of the Abathembu Nation is the only traditional leader who was once arrested for abusing his people.
Image source:Instagram
