REPORTER
KWAZULU-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) honoured 47 amakhosi who completed a Leadership and Good Governance Programme in partnership with the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).
The graduation ceremony took place at the Durban ICC with MEC for Cogta, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, describing the event as a defining moment for traditional leadership in the province.
“Today is not just a graduation, but a coronation of knowledge. We are unveiling a new calibre of leadership for KwaZulu-Natal,” he said.
The year-long programme equipped amakhosi with critical skills in governance, public policy, financial management, land administration and rural development. Each participant also received digital tools, including laptops and connectivity to strengthen service delivery at traditional administrative centres.
The MEC praised UKZN for its partnership in professionalising traditional governance and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continued capacity building, including upcoming programmes in local economic development and land administration.
Reflecting on the journey, Inkosi Thanduyise Mzimela said the programme had elevated community confidence in traditional leadership, while Inkosi Bhekizwe Biyela urged graduates to uphold discipline, integrity and the dignity of the institution.
