Real Politics: Amakhosi could boast service delivery while politicians fight for votes

In a country where political parties fight each other more than they serve the people, traditional leaders remain the only hope for unity and progress in rural South Africa, writes Zukile Majova in Real Politics.

The 2026 local elections are already shaping up to be messy. More than 100 municipalities could end up without clear winners, like in 2021 when 66 councils were declared hung. Coalition governments have not delivered services. Instead, they’ve brought instability, infighting and delays.

But a quiet shift is happening in rural South Africa.

Kings and queens — some newly crowned and others rising in influence — are gaining power in their communities. And many South Africans are beginning to see what’s been obvious all along: while councillors divide us, Amakhosi unite us.

Take King Misuzulu kaZwelithini of the Zulu nation. He leads over 15 million people and welcomes politicians of all stripes to his palace in KwaKhangel’amankengana. Yet he stays above party politics. He doesn’t vote, and he doesn’t endorse. His duty is to all Zulu people — no matter which party they support.

In the last election, the Inkatha Freedom Party tried to claim the Zulu king as their own. A public outrage forced them to change strategy and pologise. The lesson was clear: kings must unite, not divide.

And King Misuzulu is not alone. Other powerful monarchs include King Ahlangene Sigcawu of the Xhosa, King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo of the Thembu, King Musiiwa Mphaphuli of the Venda, and King Leruo Molotlegi of the Bafokeng. Each holds moral and cultural authority far greater than that of local councillors.

Queens are also stepping into leadership roles. Through the new South African Queens Council, women like Queen Tina Madosini Ndamase and Queen Ntokozo Mayisela Zulu are leading development projects, promoting peace and speaking out for their people.

What separates traditional leaders from politicians is that their power does not come from elections — it comes from the people’s trust.

They live with their communities. They attend funerals, settle disputes and look after the land. They have a duty to everyone, not just a political base.

In many places, councillors and mayors depend on Amakhosi to unlock land for housing, clinics, schools and shopping centres. But instead of working together, politicians often ignore traditional leaders or try to outshine them.

This creates confusion, resentment and delays. It also means that service delivery suffers.

And unlike politicians, traditional leaders do not disappear after five years or get reshuffled. They are permanent fixtures — with deep roots and long memories.

As Inkosi Sontsi Makaula puts it, “There should be better communication, a clear outline of roles and responsibilities, joint planning on development plans and projects, and mutual respect.”

Instead of fighting over power, councillors and traditional leaders should be working as partners. A councillor may have government budgets and formal authority, but it is the inkosi who has the community’s heart.

The Constitution already recognises traditional leaders. They have legal duties like land allocation, dispute resolution and community development. Some even help promote voter education and registration.

In fact, traditional leaders often help the Electoral Commission of South Africa carry out its work in remote areas — by hosting registration drives, creating awareness and allowing access to village spaces.

The problem is they are often treated as ceremonial, while councillors are treated as decision-makers — even though their decisions often ignore the will of the people.

As more municipalities become ungovernable and coalition councils fall apart, South Africa needs to look seriously at giving traditional leaders a bigger role in governance.

Because while councillors campaign with promises and disappear after elections, Amakhosi remain.

They do not divide by party. They lead by tradition.

And if given a real seat at the table, they might just deliver what politicians cannot: peace, trust and progress.

Image source: File