- KZN Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi gave traditional leaders top cars at the House of Traditional and Khoi San Leaders in Ulundi.
- Prince Nkinobho Zulu said the 4×4 vehicles will help leaders work for their communities and travel safely on gravel roads.
Traditional leaders in KwaZulu-Natal say their dignity has been restored after receiving gifts of luxury cars from the provincial government.
MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Thulasizwe Buthelezi gave the vehicles to the leaders in Ulundi last week. The event took place during the official opening of the House of Traditional and Khoi San Leaders. Buthelezi is also the traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu King.
Prince Nkinobho Zulu of the Phelela Nsizwa Foundation said the gifts show the government cares about the dignity of traditional leaders. He said the vehicles will end the daily struggle for leaders who could not do their work because they had no transport.
“Our traditional leaders will now be able to work for their communities because these vehicles are built for any terrain,” said Zulu.
Lindokuhle Xulu said the Xulu clan is happy that their leader, Gadla Xulu, received a Ford Ranger 4×4. The leader is from Nkandla. Xulu said the car has all the safety equipment needed for rural conditions like gravel and bad weather.
Xulu said the MEC has helped the clan before. He said the MEC once helped a traditional leader in Vryheid who was facing threats from hitmen. The MEC stepped in and stopped the salaries of the headmen involved.
KZN Premier Thami Ntuli said the SUV gifts are not a trick to control the leaders. He said the aim is to give them tools to work properly. Ntuli said the government wants to help traditional leaders so they can serve the people in their communities.
Pictured above: A row of new luxury vehicles given to traditional leaders in Ulundi.
Image source: Cogta
