MEETING OF THE AMAKHOSI OF THE KINGDOM OF KWAZULU NATAL

RESOLUTIONS

Ulundi, 10 December 1999

Amakhosi of the Kingdom of KwaZulu Natal met in Ulundi on this tenth day of December 1999 and unanimously adopted the following resolution:

1. Amakhosi are very concerned by the process of municipal demarcation conducted by the Demarcation Board and feel that it has not recognised and respected their societal organisation, history and traditions.
2. Amakhosi feel that the demarcation process has not sufficiently respected the areas and functions of both traditional and regional authorities in our province.
3. AmaKhosi lament that the local government revolution is set to undermine their powers and functions in respect of the governance of rural communities.
4. AmaKhosi lament that this status of affairs is the result of legislation which amaKhosi were unsuccessful in opposing because the unity of traditional leaders throughout South Africa was not sufficiently achieved.
5. AmaKhosi have chosen a delegation that will be led by the Minister of Traditional Affairs, Inkosi Nyanga Ngubane, the Premier of the Province, Mr. Lionel Mtshali, and the Vice-Chairman of the House of Traditional Leaders (KwaZulu Natal) Inkosi Mbangowezintombi Mzimela, to meet President Thabo Mbeki in the New year, in an effort to peacefully resolve the conflicts that have resulted from the implementation of the Municipal Structures Act, and the impositions of the Demarcation Board, in changing traditional areas into municipal areas.
6. AmaKhosi praise the Prince of KwaPhindangene, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, for having warned traditional leaders throughout the country of the intentions of the central government to undermine their powers and the effect of the legislation which was being adopted, and thank him for having been the only national statesman to stand firm in defending the interests and role of traditional leadership.
7. AmaKhosi commit themselves to enter with confidence into the third millennium with an agenda centered around the development, upliftment and progress of their communities through which they shall secure the continuing support of their subjects for the important challenges waiting ahead.
8. AmaKhosi hope that the dawn of the third millennium can bring about the recognition of the Kingdom of KwaZulu Natal and the respect for a new role that traditional leadership must exercise for rural development and upliftment as important features of our African Renaissance.