By Zuko Komisa
The General Industrial Workers Union of South Africa (Giwusa) says taxpayer funds should not be used to support traditional rulers.
In a statement, the union demanded the elimination of all South African monarchies.
The union claims that just the salaries paid to these traditional leaders cost the nation R250 million.
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Speaking of the King Misuzulu kaZwelithini certification ceremony, Giwusa’s said:
“cost millions of taxpayer rands, standing in stark contrast to the horrendous conditions of life suffered by the great majority of Zulu working-class people, in whose name this new king is being coronated”.
Phemelo Motene spoke to Mamethle Sebei who is the President of the General Industrial Workers Union of South Africa about why they feel it is time to abolish the Zulu monarchy.
LISTEN TO THE FULL CONVERSATION HERE:
Giwusa added that there are more than 5 300 tribe chiefs and headmen/women in addition to the primary traditional leaders and 844 senior traditional leaders spread over eight provinces.
“Honestly, they have no place in a democracy.
We do think that in the RSA democracy, a public authority can only be wielded by those who are elected, accountable at the behest of the people.
We are talking about an institution that is a wealthy society which contributes absolutely nothing but willpower at the expense of ordinary people.” says Giwusa’s president Mametlwe Sebei.
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