KZN traditional leaders graduate from UKZN governance programme with caution on alcohol abuse and conduct
Forty-seven KwaZulu-Natal amakhosi (traditional leaders) graduated from a year-long University of KwaZulu-Natal's leadership and governance programme in partnership with KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. The event was held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) on Tuesday.
Image: KZN Cogta
Nearly 50 amakhosi (traditional leaders) were cautioned about the dangers of alcohol abuse and misconduct during their graduation ceremony at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) on Tuesday.
The 47 amakhosi completed a year-long Leadership and Good Governance Programme offered by the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), aimed at equipping traditional leaders with practical skills to strengthen governance and improve service delivery in their communities.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, described the occasion as a defining moment for traditional leadership in the province.
“Today is not just a graduation; it is a coronation of knowledge. We are unveiling a new calibre of leadership for KwaZulu-Natal,” said Buthelezi.
The programme provided training in governance, public policy, financial management, land administration and rural development. Graduates also received digital tools, including laptops and connectivity support, to strengthen operations at Traditional Administrative Centres.
Inkosi Bhekizwe Biyela of eMahlayizeni Traditional Authority who cautioned the graduating amakhosi on the temptations of alcohol and inappropriate relationships that may sully their reputation and throne, during a ceremony at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, Durban, on Tuesday.
Image: KZN Cogta
During the ceremony, amakhosi were urged to guard against substance abuse, particularly alcohol and drugs, and to avoid behaviour that could undermine the dignity of their positions.
Inkosi Bhekizwe Biyela of eMahlayizeni Traditional Authority emphasised that traditional leaders must conduct themselves as role models within their communities.
“An inkosi must avoid being found in places where they are not supposed to be and resist temptations such as drugs, alcohol and inappropriate relationships,” he said.
Biyela reminded graduates of the sacred responsibility attached to traditional leadership, warning that respect for the throne must remain paramount.
“Amakhosi must remember that these thrones belong to their forefathers. The custodians of the throne must take pride in their conduct. These thrones can remove you — today you are here, tomorrow you are gone,” he said.
Inkosi Ntokozo Mkhwanazi of the Mpukunyoni Traditional Authority with the KwaZulu-Natal MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Thulasizwe Buthelezi during the graduation ceremony of almost 50 amakhosi from a UKZN year-long leadership and governance programme at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Internationl Convention Centre on Tuesday.
Image: KZN Cogta
Buthelezi praised UKZN for its role in professionalising traditional governance and reaffirmed government’s commitment to ongoing capacity-building initiatives, including upcoming programmes focused on Local Economic Development and Land Administration.
Closing the ceremony, Buthelezi told graduates: “This certificate is a covenant with your people. Go and lead with excellence, transparency and humility.
The chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Traditional Leaders Inkosi Sifiso Shinga, said it is important that amakhosi develop their skills through education as they are leading communities that value education.
"Amakhosi should not be left behind," said Inkosi Shinga.