AMAKHOSI in Mpumalanga are crying out for protection, saying they're being hunted like targets.
Chairman of the Mpumalanga House of Traditional Leaders, Kgoshi Lameck Mokoena, made a plea during the official opening of the House in Mbombela on Wednesday, 6 May.
Mokoena said the killings of traditional leaders are rising and not enough is being done.
He said 58 traditional leaders have been killed across the country but only six cases are currently going to trial.
"This clearly shows that Amakhosi need protection urgently. It's not something to debate anymore, it's a serious need," he said.
Mokoena said traditional leaders don't even know who is targeting them.
"We don't know if it's family, community members or other groups. But one thing is clear: traditional leaders are targets."
He welcomed government plans to provide protection, saying it would restore confidence. "We want to walk freely and feel safe," he said.
Mokoena also highlighted the challenges amakhosi face daily, saying they often use their own resources to help communities.
"When people are sick, they come to us for transport, sometimes our vehicles are used like ambulances," he said.
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He added that even during community events, traditional leaders are expected to provide transport and support. "We use our own bakkies to help our people. That's the reality we live in," he said.
Amakhosi said that while they continue serving their communities, their safety must now become a top priority.
Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu has committed to buying vehicles for amakhosi and cattle as part of supporting them.
He said traditional councils must become hubs for local economic coordination, facilitating cooperatives, supporting SMMEs, youth entrepreneurship, and promoting women's participation in economic activity.
He further called on amakhosi to be the first line of defence in social cohesion, adding that crime, gender-based violence and femicide, and drug abuse cannot be defeated by the police alone.
"Traditional leaders are the first line of social cohesion, dispute resolution and moral authority. Their leadership is a foundation to restore dignity, accountability and respect in our communities.
"We call on amakhosi and community leaders to intensify campaigns against violence and criminality and to restore the moral fabric of our society," added the premier.
