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MEC ENGAGES AMAKHOSI OVER MINING EXPLOITATION, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial House of Traditional LeadersRef: https://www.kzncogta.gov.za/mec-engages-amakhosi-over-mining-exploitation-and-economic-development/

Official source

Source domain: kzncogta.gov.za

Collected on 7 July 2026

Always confirm details on the official source before acting.

Our copy (archived 9 July 2026)Official source

What this means

This is a news article from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (KZN COGTA) reporting on a stakeholder engagement in Dannhauser (Amajuba District). The MEC, Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi, says he will intervene in disputes between mining companies and traditional leadership, after Amakhosi raised concerns about governance lapses, lack of consultation in mining licensing, and environmental degradation. The article also outlines proposed reforms, including constitutional amendments to clarify Amakhosi powers, integrating Amakhosi into municipal budget processes, and capacity support for agriculture and youth entrepreneurship, with a mayoral visit planned for 8 July to distribute tools. A follow-up meeting is committed to involving all Amakhosi, family structures, and mining and governmental stakeholders to agree on a transparent, legally binding way forward.

Facts

Places

KwaZulu-Natal

Reference

https://www.kzncogta.gov.za/mec-engages-amakhosi-over-mining-exploitation-and-economic-development/

Key Takeaways

  • MEC Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi vows to intervene in mining-company vs traditional-leadership disputes
  • Location: Dannhauser, Amajuba District
  • 11 Amakhosi attended; meeting led by iNkosi Zwane
  • Grievances: mining operations without informing/consulting Amakhosi; no benefits to communities/traditional councils
  • iNkosi Gule: no mining licenses should be issued without explicit consultation with the local iNkosi
  • Environmental degradation cited as caused by unregulated mining
  • MEC calls for constitutional amendments to define Amakhosi powers and standardize incentives/travel allowances
  • Proposal: integrate Amakhosi into municipal budget processes with dedicated funds to traditional councils
  • Mayor of Amajuba to visit on 8 July to distribute tools (e.g., grass cutters) to unemployed youth
  • Commitment to a comprehensive follow-up meeting with all Amakhosi and relevant mining/government stakeholders
  • KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (KZN COGTA)
  • MEC Rev Thulasizwe Buthelezi
  • iNkosi Zwane
  • iNkosi Gule
  • iNkosi Mabaso
  • King Misuzulu Kazwelithini
  • Amakhosi (traditional leaders)
  • Mayor of Amajuba
  • Amajuba District Municipality (implied via Mayor of Amajuba)
  • Mining companies