Traditional leaders in the Eastern Cape want more money and powers. They also want a 13th cheque and for the powers of premier Phumulo Masualle and future Eastern Cape premiers to be clipped on traditional matters.
This emerged during public hearings for comments on the provincial amended Traditional Leadership and Governance Bill which was passed by the Bhisho legislature last Thursday.
Royals across the province told the portfolio committee on cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) that 2017 was the year they should get salary increases and travel allowances.
Contacted for comment on Friday‚ Cogta spokesman Mamkeli Ngam said he would only be able to provide information on how much traditional leaders currently earned on Monday.
However‚ the Daily Dispatch previously reported that headmen and women in the province are paid R90 320 a year‚ chiefs R179 000 and the three kings R973 350.
Ngam could also not say what increases they wanted. The bill‚ now only awaiting Masualle’s signature to become law‚ contains several amendments which would reduce the premier’s powers to decide on traditional affairs.
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