Congress of Traditional Leaders condemns fake AmaKhosi threatening KZN communities
The Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA ) has condemned what it described as a growing trend of individuals falsely claiming to be traditional leaders, or AmaKhosi, in KwaZulu-Natal, warning that the practice is creating confusion, instability and undermining legitimate traditional authority.
In a statement issued by Inkosi VT Ngcobo and Ndunankulu Phakamani Dlamini, CONTRALESA KwaZulu-Natal said the trend appeared to be driven by a desire “to control mineral resources and construction developments,” adding that this was causing “confusion and instability in communities”.
The organisation expressed its full support for the Mkhwanazi clan and the traditional leaders of Richmond, who it said had identified individuals falsely claiming to be AmaKhosi in their areas.
CONTRALESA said it was particularly concerned about the use of social media platforms such as TikTok to spread false narratives, warning that these platforms were being used to “create the impression that these individuals are legitimate traditional leaders”.
According to the organisation, this amounted to “a clear attempt to undermine the authority of genuine traditional leaders and exploit our cultural heritage for personal gain”.
CONTRALESA stressed that traditional leadership could not be claimed without proper lineage, stating that “traditional leadership is based on birthright and traceable history” and that “one cannot simply claim to be an Inkosi without the requisite lineage and recognition”.
They said the Zulu Nation had a rich cultural heritage and warned that it would not tolerate its exploitation. CONTRALESA said, “We will not stand idly by while it is being disrespected and exploited,” adding that the trend was “not only humiliating the Zulu Nation but also creating instability in our communities and causing confusion among the people of KwaZulu-Natal and beyond”.
CONTRALESA also raised concerns about the conduct of the current MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, noting that the MEC had previously suggested that individuals falsely claiming to be AmaKhosi should be arrested, but was now seen associating with such individuals.
The organisation said it appeared that “some of these individuals are driven by criminal motives” and urged authorities to investigate the matter.
The organisation also reiterated that anyone who believed they had a legitimate claim to traditional leadership should follow recognised channels, stating that “those who believe they have a legitimate claim to traditional leadership should follow the established processes and procedures”.
CONTRALESA said it would continue working with authorities “to ensure that our traditional institutions are protected and respected”.
CONTRALESA called on all stakeholders to take a stand against the trend, urging “government, civil society, and the media, to join us in condemning this trend and supporting the genuine traditional leaders of KwaZulu-Natal”.
The organisation said collective action was necessary to protect cultural heritage and ensure that communities were not exploited “by individuals with ulterior motives”
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