Empowering KZN's traditional leaders

STIPENDS for KwaZulu-Natal Traditional leaders absorbed 71% of the Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) R1.9 billion budget for the 2025 and 2026 financial year.

- ZAINUL DAWOOD

Traditional leaders needed to become self-sufficient and support themselves, reduce dependence, and grow local economies, said Marlaine Nair, MPL - DA at the KZN Legislature on Friday. Nair said this imbalance cannot continue unchecked. Nair said KZN needs a new deal — one where traditional councils are not only custodians of culture but contributors to community development. Nair said the DA honours their place, respects the work they do and recognises their critical role in our social fabric.

“We must build economic engines inside traditional institutions. For every R1 in this budget, 71 cents goes to salaries. This includes traditional leadership stipends, support structures, and tools of trade. They are not employees, with formal job descriptions - they are members of an institution,” Nair said.