EFF EXPRESSES DISMAY ON TRADITIONAL LEADERS JOINING POLITICAL PARTIES

Economic Freedom Fighters in the Alfred Nzo district has raised concerns on some traditional leaders who joined political parties. It is alleged that the headmen who belong to the chieftaincy of Chief Jojo in Lubaleko Traditional Council have come out about their political standing, which was described as a shame by the EFF as the party believes that this will have an influence on how the community of Lubaleko will take their decisions during the polling day. The EFF says it respects the role played by the traditional leaders in the community. EFF Chairperson in the Alfred Nzo district, Mawande Magadla says traditional leaders are dragging the name of traditional leadership through the mud.

“We have advised the traditional leaders to exercise fairness and equality in dealing with political parties. However, we have been made aware that three headmen are campaigning for ATM” Magadla said.

Magadla added that if that does not happen, they will have to treat the leaders as political leaders, not as the traditional leaders they are.

Traditional leaders on their side say they chose to campaign for ATM as they believe in the party and their promises. They reiterate that it is their right to join any political party of their choice, doing that openly. Chief Jojo of AmaXesibe says the fact that they joined ATM does not mean they have changed how they lead the communities.

“I can confirm that we have joined ATM but that does not mean our programs of traditional leadership have changed” Chief Jojo said, adding that every political party is welcome to visit the traditional house, regardless of the traditional leaders’ political affiliation.

ATM’s Chairperson in Umzimvubu, Mbongeni Magobane says traditional leaders have long joined political parties.

“It cannot be that when the traditional leaders join the party, it is the talk of the town while they have been in political parties, even before democracy.

Alfred Nzo traditional leaders’ Chairperson, Nkosi Jongilanga Sigcau says they have the right to join any political party of their choice.