Thabiso Goba19 May 2024 | 8:00

Zuma says it's not right ward councillors have more powers than traditional chiefs

The former president said the democratic government stripped traditional leaders of all their powers.

Zuma says it's not right ward councillors have more powers than traditional chiefs

Former President Jacob Zuma, leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, looks on while sitting on stage during the People’s Mandate Launch at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on 18 May 2024. Picture: AFP

JOHANNESBURG - Leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party Jacob Zuma said that it is not right that a ward councillor has more power than a traditional chief.

Zuma made the remarks while launching the party’s manifesto at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday.

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The former president said the democratic government stripped traditional leaders of all their powers and made them useless.

He said if the MK Party is voted into power, traditional leaders will play an important role in governance and management of the land.

“Traditional leaders rule even in countries where there are white people. They don’t have presidents, they have prime ministers that report to the royal leadership of the country.

“If they can do it, why can’t we? In order for our dignity and respect to be restored in Africa, traditional leadership has to return - that’s what uMkhonto promises.”