Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa this week encouraged traditional leaders in Mpumalanga and their counterparts in other provinces to continue to execute their duties as “natural leaders”.
The President’s remarks, during the 9th annual opening of the National House of Traditional Leaders and Khoi-San Leaders in Parliament on Tuesday, (25 February 2025), were made in the wake of the recent assassination of a traditional leader.
Ramaphosa lamented the murder of Kosabo Thugwana – chairperson of the Ndzundza Fene Tribal Council under the Ndebele nation in Thembalethu – located near KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga as an example.
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The 45-year-old Thugwana was an NEC member of Contralesa.
President Ramaphosa conveyed sympathies to the Thugwana’s family and other bereaved traditional houses.
“You are representatives of your forebears and leaders of your people. History has assigned you your positions and responsibilities.
“Let me take this opportunity to strongly condemn the rise in killings of traditional leaders.
“That is an affront to our nation.
President Ramaphosa added: “Already, this year, in Mpumalanga, Contralesa NEC member and Chairperson of the Ndzundza-Fene Traditional Council, Kosi Thugwana was assassinated at Tweefontein, near KwaMhlanga.
Even one killing is one too many.
Thugwana’s lifeless body was found in his vehicle that was left with the engine running in Tweefontein, near KwaMhlanga, on the night of 5 January 2025.
Thugwana had been shot several times.
“On behalf of the government, I pass our deepest condolences to the families for the loss of their loved ones and to you for the loss of your colleagues,” President Ramaohosa said.
He called on the police to leave “no stone unturned” in their search for the assailants.
“Be assured that our law enforcement agencies are working around the clock to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to book,” President Ramaphosa said.
“As representatives of different communities, your voices should not and must not be silenced by criminals with hidden agendas.”
The motive behind the assassination of Thugwana remains unknown.
