KwaZulu-Natal traditional leaders rally to defend new pension and medical aid benefits

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders chairperson, Inkosi Sifiso Shinga, has defended the pension and medical aid benefits introduced by the provincial government for traditional leaders following opposition by pro-ANC traditional leaders.

In a statement issued by Ubumbano lweZinduna, a body representing the headmen, which is aligned to the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa), its Secretary-General Falendoda Malinga complained that headmen are being coerced by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) officials into joining the pension funds and medical aid scheme under a particular bank without consultation. 

In support of Ubumbano lweZinduna, Contralesa condemned the move, calling it a blatant attempt to undermine traditional leaders' rights. The body's provincial secretary, Inkosi Nhlakanipho Maphumulo, said his organisation was disappointed at the blatant disregard of the legitimate concerns and rights of traditional leaders by the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders.

“Irrefutable evidence reveals coercive tactics being employed to compel traditional leaders to participate in the programme, constituting a blatant disregard for their autonomy and dignity,” said Maphumulo.

In July, CoGTA MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, in conjunction with Bonitas Medical Aid and Standard Bank, announced a partnership to roll out pension and medical aid benefits to the traditional leaders, including traditional courts staff.

In the arrangement, amakhosi were to open new accounts with Standard Bank to allow the bank to debit their contributions.

Defending the arrangement, Shinga said Contralesa is not representing the views of the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders, warning against the politicisation of the initiative.

“We categorically distance amakhosi of KwaZulu-Natal from the assertions made by Contralesa. While it may claim to speak on behalf of traditional leadership, its views do not reflect the position of the Provincial House, nor do they represent the collective experiences of amakhosi and izinduna across the province,” said Shinga

He stated that it must be emphasised that the Provincial House itself was instrumental in initiating this programme by formally requesting the CoGTA MEC to give urgent consideration to the introduction of pension and medical aid for amakhosi and izinduna. 

He added that the decision to implement the programme was, therefore, a direct response to the Provincial House’s advocacy and the collective voice of amakhosi, saying it is important to acknowledge that this programme originates from the Provincial House’s mandate to safeguard the welfare of traditional leaders.

Shinga further stated that no traditional leader is compelled to join the programme; therefore, he does not understand where the coercion claims come from.

“Contrary to the picture painted by Contralesa, this initiative has been welcomed with praise across all districts. It addresses longstanding concerns regarding the welfare of traditional leaders and izinduna by providing access to pension and medical aid benefits. These are not acts of disrespect but rather overdue steps to affirm dignity and provide security to traditional leadership and their families,” concluded Shinga.

CoGTA provincial spokesperson Senzo Mzila said the department would not respond since the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders has responded.

willem.phungula@inl.co.za