Amakhosi Graduate from UKZN’s Leadership and Governance Programme

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (KZN COGTA), celebrated 47 Amakhosi who successfully completed the Leadership and Good Governance Programme.

Held at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), the ceremony marked the culmination of a year-long programme designed to strengthen governance capacity within traditional leadership structures across KwaZulu-Natal.

Spearheaded by the Extended Learning Unit at the Graduate School of Business Leadership alongside the UKZN Maurice Webb Race and Relations Unit, the programme equipped participating Amakhosi with knowledge and practical skills in governance, public policy, financial management, land administration and rural development.

UKZN academics facilitated the curriculum, contributing to the professionalisation of traditional governance through structured learning and applied leadership development. The initiative reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and capacity building within key societal institutions.

MEC for COGTA, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, described the occasion as a defining moment for the province. “Today is not just a graduation; it is a coronation of knowledge. We are unveiling a new calibre of leadership for KwaZulu-Natal,” he said.

Buthelezi reaffirmed government’s commitment to sustained capacity building within traditional institutions: “As COGTA and the KZN Government, we pledge to continue equipping our leaders with the skills required to lead in this time, to arm them with the necessary tools to guide citizens of a modern state while still preserving the history and foundation of our nation.”

Highlighting the role of Higher Education in strengthening governance, the MEC added: “UKZN is serving as a bridge between indigenous knowledge and academic knowledge, enabling our leaders to remain relevant and to lead with precision. The future of KZN looks brighter with partnerships like this one.”

Reflecting on the programme, Inkosi Thanduyise Mzimela said the training had strengthened confidence in traditional leadership among communities. “Shifts in expectation in our communities call for us to be open to other tools of leadership, in a day of AI, GBV and so many other societal challenges, we must remain open to learning in order to respond effectively.”

“This qualification is testament of our commitment to our communities and the people we serve,” he added.

The celebratory mood was further elevated by a performance from award-winning musician Mbuso Khoza, whose rich and evocative musical tribute provided a fitting close to the festivities.

The partnership between UKZN and COGTA continues to position traditional leadership at the intersection of heritage and contemporary governance, advancing responsive leadership for sustainable rural development in KwaZulu-Natal.

Words: Lungile Ngubelanga