The Role of COGTA in Determining Traditional Leaders Amidst Violent Protests in Ku-Gompo

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) takes this opportunity to reaffirm the importance and role of the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in determining and legitimising Kings, Queens, traditional leaders and royal authorities in South Africa.

This follows ongoing debate and uproar regarding the alleged and self-proclaimed coronation of an individual as the “King of the Igbo Nation” in KuGompo, formerly East London in the Eastern Cape. This irresponsible act has led to a rightful and justified outcry by the people of KuGompo, the Eastern Cape and South Africa at large. A responsibly provincial and national government ought to have outlined the prescripts that allow one to be recognised as a royal authority in South Africa clearly and timeously, to avoid the violence seen today in the City.

In order for an individual to be recognised as a royal or traditional authority in South Africa, the Minister for COGTA must make recommendations to the President of the Republic of South Africa, who subsequently utilises the Traditional and Khoi San Leadership Act of 2019 to formally recognise a King or a Queen. This recognition is then officialised via a notice in a Government Gazette. It is therefore not only offensive, but also illegal for any individual to declare themselves a monarch outside of these legislative processes, and it is even more insulting for a foreign national to declare Kingship in another country. Kingship is not only ceremonial, but it is tied to the legislative framework of South Africa, bestowing authority over people and land to an individual under the sovereignty of South Africa. It is not to be taken lightly, nor should it be declared by individuals without any legal authority.

The media also bears a responsibility in this regard to do due diligence and report responsibly, and not suggest to the public that there has been a coronation of a monarch without expressing clearly whether the legislative requirements for this have been met.

The EFF therefore condemns the alleged “coronation” of a foreign King in the Eastern Cape, and calls for calm in KuGompo, while encouraging government and traditional leaders to communicate clearly the conditions that allow for the recognition of royalty in our country, in order to take South Africans into confidence. We further condemn all political parties and actors who have been involved in the destruction of properties in KuGompo, and those who have harmed civilians in an effort to score cheap political points from a situation that did not warrant violence.

The EFF has, therefore, instructed its structures in the Buffalo City Metropolitan to monitor the situation closely and provide assistance to all South Africans whose infrastructure has been damaged as a result of actions by political parties. We additionally call for all those who instigated this violence to be arrested and held liable for damages.

The EFF’s growth has been attributed to its appeal among young voters and marginalized communities.

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