Middelburg – “We are fed up with being invited to government events and meetings without any financial support to attend. We always show up and our presence is significant to them as they take us photos and feed us tasty meals while we participate. They claim in their reports that local traditional leaders were present, but we gain nothing from it. We’re leaders who remain unrecognised.”
MaNdabezitha Bakhulisile Mahlangu, who hails from the Steve Tshwete House of Traditional Leaders, echoed the chilling reflections to MK Party Chief Whip Mabatho Mokoena of the National Council of Provinces.
Mokoena, along with fellow Parliamentary member Noma Buthelezi, embarked on a two-day programme focused on oversight and community engagement in the Steve Tshwete and Emalahleni municipalities. The discussion happened on Wednesday, 20 August 2025 at the Sydney Choma Banquet Hall, Middelburg.
MaNdabezitha Mahlangu said traditional leaders in Steve Tshwete “don’t get stipends; instead, we use our own money for transport to participate in meetings”.
Some of the traditional leaders said they find themselves increasingly frustrated with the prolonged land claim processes that have yet to reach a resolution, with some of these claims dating back to 1998.
The chairperson of Isihlangu Samakhosi Tribal and Traditional Council, Ndabezitha Lemmy Mahlangu said, “Despite being surrounded by numerous mines, we do not receive any royalties from their operations. While we believe that these mines contribute financially to the local economic development efforts of our municipality, traditional leaders who should act as the guardians of the land are unfortunately overlooked.”
The chairperson apportioned blame to the provincial Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) for failing to acknowledge them. “Out of the six local municipalities in the Nkangala District, only two have been granted official recognition and those happen to be the former homelands,” said Ndabezitha Mahlangu.
In an interview with Highveld Chronicle, Mokoena shared that engaging with the traditional leaders was a crucial part of the initiative. However, she expressed her astonishment at the revelations they shared with her.
“I’m still taken aback by the sheer disrespect directed towards our local traditional leaders,” she expressed. “I need to return to the office and brainstorm how I can assist them because I’ve fully committed myself to this cause, treating it as a personal project.”
Mokoena emphasised they plan to revisit Parliament to address a range of concerns. “Our goal is to return in a month alongside representatives from the government, the local municipality, the mining sector and the national department. We want to gather everyone for a discussion to identify the shortcomings and areas plagued by red tape so we can find ways to step in as politicians and make a difference wherever possible.”
