Traditional leaders 'have no power'

2012-05-11 22:10

Durban - Traditional leaders are finding it difficult to play a role in local government, IFP President Mangosuthu Buthelezi said on Friday in Ulundi.

"A limited number of pre-identified traditional leaders are allowed to attend and participate in council meetings, but do not carry the authority of councillors."

Buthelezi said traditional leaders wanted their responsibilities and powers spelled out, just as those of municipalities.

"Traditional leaders have become ceremonial figures in local governance, barred from taking any decisions or even having a vote in the decision-making process."

Buthelezi said there was a problem of overlapping responsibilities and a lack of clear description of roles.

"In the absence of a framework that allows real partnership, there is little that can be achieved."

If the roles of both parties were not defined there would be continuous clashes between municipalities and traditional leaders, he warned.

- SAPA