The IFP raises concern about the lack of transparency surrounding the suspension of Inkosi Elphas Molefe, of the Molefe clan in the Nquthu traditional authority, following a ministerial intervention by the local government and traditional affairs MEC Mike Mabuyakhulu.

"When the Traditional Leadership and Governance Bill was debated in the Provincial Parliament last year, we in the IFP warned against arbitrary acts such as suspensions of amakhosi without consultation with the House of Traditional Leaders. Now that the Bill has become an Act, such arbitrary suspensions are taking place. We are vindicated," said Inkosi Bonga Mdletshe IFP MPP, who holds his party's traditional affairs portfolio in the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Parliament.

The IFP resents the fact that the relevant entities were not consulted prior to the suspension. These include the House of Traditional Leaders (KwaZulu-Natal), the entire family and clan of Molefe, the Nquthu traditional authority, and the indicted Inkosi himself.

"The Traditional Leadership and Governance Act opens the door to non-transparent ministerial intervention in the matters of traditional authority. The suspension of Inkosi Molefe is the first instance of this unfortunate Act being implemented in practice," said Inkosi Mdletshe.