Durban — The KwaZulu-Natal House of Traditional Leaders has described the province's decision to allocate budgets to amakhosi as a step to restore their dignity.
Welcoming this groundbreaking announcement by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Rev. Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the house chairperson Inkosi Sfiso Shinga said this was a fulfilment of long amakhosi dreams to have their own budgets, adding that it was also a restoration of the traditional leadership’s dignity since they will feel part of the government of the day.
Inkosi Shinga further stated that amakhosi are ready to be capacitated to properly manage the public purse since they have not done it in the past.
He said it was difficult for traditional councils to procure even basic office supplies since they had to request it from the head office and wait a long time for it to be delivered.
Buthelezi said the decision will considerably empower traditional leaders within the province, saying the move underscores the department's commitment to decentralisation and empowerment.
The MEC announced that from the beginning of the financial year in April next year, each traditional council will have its own annual budget, adding the budget will be managed at the traditional council level which will ensure that amakhosi have full autonomy over their financial resources.
“The days of Cogta dictating to amakhosi how resources should be used are long gone. To support this transition, the department will provide accounting staff to work closely with each traditional council. These professionals will ensure robust financial systems are in place, promoting transparency and accountability,” said Buthelezi.
However, Ngubane said the department must assist amakhosi to familiarise themselves with the Public Finance Management Act so that their budgets are managed in line with the government financial prescripts.
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