Parliament, Friday, 24 April 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) this week formally intervened to seek clarity about the processes followed in the allocation of tools of trade to Amakhosi in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
This follows concerns raised by Amakhosi through the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA) in KwaZulu-Natal about SUVs allocated to some amakhosi.
The Chairperson of the committee, Dr Zweli Mkhize, in a letter to the MEC for COGTA in KZN, Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi, relayed these concerns. He further noted that providing tools of trade to support traditional leadership is provided for in law. However, Amkahosi are now questioning the transparency and equitable rollout of these tools of trade. Some believe that allocations were made based on political considerations.
In his correspondence, Dr Mkhize indicated that these concerns were discussed at a meeting of Amakhosi and Izinduna, which he attended. This week, members of the portfolio committee also raised the issue during a meeting at Parliament in the presence of the Minister of COGTA, Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa. During the meeting, Dr Mkhize undertook to raise the matter with the KZN MEC for COGTA.
To enable the committee to properly exercise its oversight role, Dr Mkhize requested, in his correspondence, that the MEC provide detailed information on the matter. The committee requested the policy document on the tools of trade, which guided the nature and budget for the tools, including the vehicles.
The committee also sought clarity on the criteria used for allocation and distribution and requested a list of all the recipients. In addition, the committee requested that the MEC explain the manner in which vehicles were allocated and the plan to reach Amakhosi who were excluded. The MEC is also requested to comment on the allegation that political considerations guided the distribution approach.
Dr Mkhize asked the MEC to provide responses by 6 May 2026 for the committee to consider the matter further. The committee emphasised the importance of transparency, fairness and accountability in the allocation of public resources, particularly where these are intended to support the functioning of traditional leadership institutions.
“We remain committed to constructive engagement with all stakeholders to ensure that support to traditional leadership is implemented in a manner that is consistent, equitable and strengthens governance at the community level,” the Chairperson said.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE AND TRADITIONAL AFFAIRS, DR ZWELI MKHIZE.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Name: Alicestine October (Ms)
Cell: 083 665 4345
E-mail: aoctober@parliament.gov.za
Arrange a tour