Mandela’s grandson wants traditional leaders at the ANC’s policy table

By Celani Sikhakhane

• Inkosi Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela spoke at a commemoration of Nelson Mandela’s prison release at Mvezo KoMkhulu in the Eastern Cape.

• Inkosi Zwelivelile wants the ANC to give traditional councils a seat at the table to shape policies affecting rural communities.

Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Inkosi Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela, says the ANC must bring traditional leaders back into its policy making.

Inkosi Zwelivelile made his call at a commemoration of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison, held at Mvezo KoMkhulu in the Eastern Cape. Traditional leaders from different clans and monarchs attended the ceremony.

“The early ANC succeeded because it integrated traditional leadership and therefore enjoyed a large support base. To regain that legitimacy, the party should reinstate formal mechanisms that give traditional councils a seat at the table, allowing customary authorities to shape policies affecting rural communities,” he said.

He said the ANC’s founding was not just a political response to oppression but a coming together of traditional authority and modern activism.

He said traditional leaders must also take on more responsibility and work to make their communities self-sufficient.

“We must ensure that we facilitate our communities to become self-sustaining and independent. We need to empower them to thrive, while safeguarding the sanctity of our customs, roots and ancestors,” he said.

He said revisiting the founding principles of inclusive governance and regional solidarity could reignite the spirit of the ANC’s early leaders. He called for a future where every South African, regardless of religion, race or location, has equal opportunity and genuine representation.

He called for mandatory lessons on the founding era in ANC training schools, covering the roles of King Dalindyebo, King Lewanika and Queen Labotsibeni.

Inkosi Zwelivelile also called for public commemorations of Chief Albert Luthuli and President Nelson Mandela to keep their founding ideals alive in the national consciousness.

Pictured above: Inkosi Zwelivelile Mandla Mandela of Mvezo speaks at a commemoration of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison at Mvezo KoMkhulu in the Eastern Cape.

Image source: Mandla Mandela/X