The Minister of Co-operative Governance and Indigenous Affairs, Mfu Thulasizwe Buthelezi, did not voice those who criticized the program of car-pooling of kings, who indicated that he will continue with this program which has caused chaos.
Buthelezi stated that the department will continue with the program until all 300 chiefs in KwaZulu-Natal have benefited.
He said this while presenting the department’s budget, in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislative Assembly, yesterday.
Some members criticized the plan during the debate on the department’s budget.
The opposition said that the department is starting something that it cannot stand for, and they said that the department will not have the money to buy cars for all the chiefs.
They complained that it seems that the department prioritizes shopping for the kings, not paying attention to the needs of the people.
Buthelezi said those who oppose the plan should come forward and tell the chiefs that they do not support the plan.
“The kings are interested in this plan. Now the opposition groups should come out and tell the kings that they do not agree with this plan. We as the department and the group that sent me will stabilize the structure of the indigenous leadership.”
The ministry started a program to buy cars for the kings this year. In the first phase, 30 kings benefited, the department spent R20 million.
Recently, 35 kings have benefited.
Buthelezi said cars are very important to kings.
“Actually, cars are a necessity for kings, working resources. Kings do important work for the tribes. They should get all the support they need.”
He said that kings should also be bought cars like politicians because kings are in the same category as politicians.
“If you look at the law that defines people holding public positions, it lists members of Parliament, members of the Legislative Assembly, councilors and kings.”
Buthelezi announced an increase in the allowance of the secretaries of the chiefs’ courts by R1 000.
This means that the stipend for secretaries in the courts of kings will be R9 000 per month.
“This is because of the important work they are doing. We encourage them as a department so that they will be able to do the important work of connecting communities with the government.”
Buthelezi said the department will develop the chiefs, and said he will meet with them next month and in September.
“There is a lot of good work done by the chiefs, but there are many challenges they face. I will visit the entire province and see how we will improve it. Since we have started with the chiefs and secretaries of the chiefs, we will also go to the chiefs.”
The total budget of the department is R2 billion.
Buthelezi said they will continue to support the municipalities in this province.
Buthelezi announced a R76 million program for the renewal of water infrastructure under Thukela District Municipality.
“We will renew the water infrastructure in Zakheni and Zwelisha. Water has been coming out for a while, but it is not coming out anymore. The pipes will be repaired so that people can get water.”