R35 million to be made available to Amakhosi in KZN

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi has announced that close to R35 million will be made available to Amakhosi in the province to spend on economic development in their traditional areas.

This announcement has been made at a meeting Buthelezi held with all traditional leaders in the province in Ulundi on a wide range of issues.

Buthelezi says the funds come from levies paid in the 302 traditional areas in the province over years and has been held in a trust by the department.

“That is a savings fund that has been lying in the bank for many years. And today, we took a decision that that money should be distributed so that Amakhosi are assisted to engage in local economic development,” says Buthelezi.

Chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal House of Traditional and Khoi San Leaders, inkosi Sifiso Shinga, says the money being made available would help to stem migration from rural to urban areas.

“Amakhosi at all times are always ready for the development of their areas. Not one inkosi can say he doesn’t want his own area to be developed. Because the development of the area means the economy to the people, and many things are happening for the people not to go to other areas for things that can happen in the areas of Amakhosi,” adds Shinga.