Eastern Cape chiefs want more money, greater power – report

Traditional leaders in the Eastern Cape reportedly want more money and the powers of premier Phumulo Masualle on traditional matters to be clipped, HeraldLIVE reports.

According to the report, during public hearings for comments on the provincial amended Traditional Leadership and Governance Bill, monarchs across the province said they wanted a 13th cheque, salary increases and travel allowances.

They also want the powers of future premiers to be limited to just approving recommendations made by traditional councils in the affected communities.

The bill was reportedly passed by the Bhisho legislature last Thursday and currently awaits Masualle’s signature to officially become law.

“It has previously been reported that headmen and women in the province are paid R90 320 a year, chiefs R179 000 and the three kings R973 350,” the report stated.

The amendments to the bill are also said to revoke the premier’s authority to summon a traditional leader to appear before him.

ANC MPL Michael Peter was quoted as saying the party supported the changes to the bill because it was “clear in defining powers and functions for structures” that exist within traditional communities.

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