KZN COGTA to be probed by Public Protector’s officer

The Izinduna (chiefs) from Amajuba, Umzinyathi and Uthukela district municipalities in Kwa-Zulu Natal have urged the public protector, Thuli Madonsela, to probe the department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in KZN for the unpaid benefits. “President Jacob Zuma indicated that all Izinduna in the country should not get less than R80 000 per annum,” said Percy Nkosi, the representative for the Izinduna. They claimed that the national government had Gazetted on April 1, 2013 that the Izinduna should be paid for their services in their respective areas.

They gathered at Ubuhlebomzinyathi to discuss the way forward concerning the unpaid benefits/salaries due to them. “We are very angry because it is only here in KZN where we are not getting that money which was promised,” said Mr Nkosi, “we are now planning to approach the public protector Madonsela to investigate why we are not getting that money.” “We are worried because the provincial manager of COGTA, only known as Guma, told us that all the other provinces are getting paid,” said an angry Induna, adding that he cited that there’s not enough money in the province to pay all of them. This was said on December 14, 2014 at the Amajuba Local Traditional House meeting.
It is alleged that they will get the money but they will not pay them as the department will run short of money to pay its staff. Guma did not specify as to when they are going to get the money which they think is more than R80 000 per annum now.
“This is an exploitation by COGTA, if there is not enough money, they should request it from the national treasury because it was gazetted and the president had signed it,” said the Izinduna. The Izinduna also plan to engage King Goodwill Zwelithini Zulu about their concerns. “Let us pull up our socks and fight this together as KZN Izinduna because we are people who played a vital role in calming down the people and curb the violence during apartheid,” said S.C Maduna an Induna. Bukhisibakhe Sithole of the Umzinyathi District traditional house said the Izinduna should team up and fight the non-payment.
“We are aware that there was a Gazette which stipulates that the Izinduna should get that money,” said Lennox Mabaso, COGTA spokesperson.
Mr Mabaso says they are working on the issue.