The Royal family of eBuNguni has announced a strategic shift towards community-focused initiatives, spearheading projects like the Inkosi Mfekaye Wetlands City amidst ongoing governance challenges. The heads of the eBuNguni have announced this shift while awaiting a certificate from the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) that would officially recognise the Royal Family of the eBuNguni Traditional Authority.
The application is currently awaiting a response from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. In light of the ongoing delay, the Royal Family has resolved to redirect its focus toward initiatives aimed at promoting community upliftment. The Royal Council, together with iNkosi Phumlani kaMfeka, is dedicating its efforts to cultural and economic projects that highlight the heritage of the abeNguni people.
eBuNguni Royal Family Community Development Initiatives
One of the key initiatives is the Inkosi Mfekaye Wetlands City project, which has already attracted interest from potential investors. The project is intended to serve as a major driver of socio-economic transformation and empowerment within the region, and the royal family says it remains committed to pursuing its vision of shared prosperity despite bureaucratic hurdles. With the Westernshores Community Trust leading these efforts, the royal family hopes to create an environment of growth and sustainability that respects and uplifts their cultural identity.
The trust’s role includes overseeing land claims and forms part of the Mfeka Family Trust. According to the Royal Family, correspondence was sent to the Office of the Premier on November 5 thanking the office for its ongoing attention to the application for formal recognition. As outlined on the Government of South Africa website, the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act of 2019 and the KwaZulu-Natal Traditional Leadership and Governance Act of 2005 provide the framework for traditional leadership recognition.
COGTA Recognition Process
“Despite the lack of communication from both the Office of the Premier and the KZN Department of COGTA, the Royal Family remains hopeful that the necessary procedures are being followed as prescribed by the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act of 2019 and the KwaZulu-Natal Traditional Leadership and Governance Act of 2005. This optimism reflects our enduring commitment to traditional governance within the community,” the royal family said in a statement. The traditional leadership landscape in South Africa is complex, with various acts and regulations governing the recognition and roles of traditional leaders.
While awaiting further communication from the Office of the Premier and the provincial COGTA department, the royal family said it remains firmly committed to advancing its community-oriented agenda. The Royal Family indicated that it is prepared to provide any additional information required to expedite the finalisation of the application and hopes for a prompt and favourable outcome. Some of the key community development initiatives include:
- Infrastructure development
- Economic empowerment programs
- Cultural heritage preservation
Responding to the family’s position, COGTA spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila said individuals seeking recognition as traditional leaders must follow the appropriate legal process. The Commission on Traditional Leadership Disputes and Claims is the platform on which such claims are ventilated, according to Mzila.
