Traditional leaders say the government is failing to protect them as killings rise in KwaZulu-Natal while politicians get security, writes Celani Sikhakhane in Royal Mzansi column.
Traditional leaders say their lives do not matter to the government or the justice system.
They are angry and scared.
For years, amakhosi and izinduna have asked for protection when they receive threats. They say politicians get bodyguards and fast action, but they are left alone.
The killings have hit KwaZulu-Natal the hardest.
More than 20 traditional leaders were killed in the year leading up to March 2022. By April 2021, reports showed that at least 27 had been murdered in the province.
Many of them were shot dead.
These attacks have been linked to political rivalries, land disputes and fights over stipends. Some leaders believe tensions inside communities are also driving the violence.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has raised deep concern about the killings. He said the attacks threaten the institution of traditional leadership.
King Misuzulu called for an urgent meeting between government, police and traditional leaders to find answers. He said many of the killers come from within the same communities.
He also asked for a joint plan to deal with illegal firearms, which are being used in many of the murders.
Despite the rising death toll, traditional leaders say none of them have been given security.
They point to how quickly municipalities act when councillors face threats.
In 2021, the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality spent about R70-million on security for African National Congress councillors.
Traditional leaders say this shows that politicians are treated differently.
On Thursday, Inkosi Nkosikhona Zulu of kwaNodunga Traditional Council called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to step in.
He said the justice system and government are failing them and must act before more leaders are killed.
Pictured above: Inkosi Samson Buthelezi of the Jama Traditional Council in Nquthu, who was shot dead in 2022.
Image source: Nquthu Local Municipality
