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ingquza Hill Local Municipality (IHLM) held its Annual Traditional Leaders Summit from 3–4 November 2025 at the Assemblies of God Church Hall in Flagstaff. The summit brought councilors, traditional leaders, and district officials together to discuss land issues, initiation practices, demarcation, and development priorities.
What Happened?
IHLM convened its annual Traditional Leaders Summit as part of its commitment to inclusiveness and community-centered governance. Focus is on cultural and developmental topics, including ulwaluko, municipal demarcation, and the role of amakhosi in local development. Traditional leaders also received a message from ubukumkani.
Municipal Manager Mr. V.C. Makedama, who outlined land administration issues and the implications of court orders. His briefing centered on lawful land allocation, municipal responsibilities, and the need for stronger alignment between councils and traditional authorities.
District Speaker Councilor. N. Ngqongwa addressed delegates, stressing cooperation for more effective service delivery. She encouraged leaders to return to the principles of Ubuntu, saying unity is essential for progress.
The afternoon sessions moved into commissions, tackling:
- Traditional leaders’ participation in municipal councils
- Initiation practice and the Moral Regeneration Movement
- Their role in Local Economic Development
- Boundary delimitation by the Demarcation Board
Inputs from these commissions will be drafted into formal resolutions for implementation.
Official Response
Whip of Council Councilor. M.I. Nkungu closed the summit by thanking traditional leaders for their engagement.
“Your honest contributions will guide us as we plan for the future. This summit strengthens our shared responsibility to serve our people,” Nkungu said.
He added that IHLM values traditional leadership as a crucial partner in governance and community well-being.
Community Impact
The summit reinforced collaboration between the municipality and traditional leadership, ensuring that local governance reflects both cultural and development priorities.
Stronger relations are expected to improve service delivery, land-use coordination, and community participation in future municipal programs. The resolutions emerging from the commissions will guide IHLM’s planning and development strategies going forward
