The chief’s police, known as iPhoyisa leNduna, within the King Cetshwayo District, have expressed their discontent and threatened to abstain from voting in the upcoming elections unless the government addresses their salary concerns. Comprising individuals from various traditional houses, these officers are deeply frustrated and have decided to channel their grievances through a peaceful demonstration. Their target is the offices of the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, where they intend to present their demands.
Their primary grievance revolves around the lack of adequate compensation for their roles as traditional police officers. Despite the vital significance of their duties within traditional communities, they receive minimal compensation, often as little as R300.00, depending on the specific task. Some officers even report receiving no compensation at all. Their responsibilities encompass a wide spectrum, from presiding over traditional or customary marriages to mediating family conflicts, including those escalating to gender-based violence. Additionally, they actively manage and address crime within their communities, assuming a multifaceted role.
The officers assert that their efforts are undervalued compared to the South African Police Service (SAPS), which possesses ample resources and operates on shifts. In contrast, the chief’s police maintain a constant, 24/7 duty. They argue that the lack of recognition and equitable compensation for their relentless service is unjust.
Expressing the gravity of their discontent, they’ve formulated a memorandum and plan to deliver it to the offices of COGTA (Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs). They emphasize that unless their grievances are earnestly addressed, they and their families will boycott the upcoming elections.”
You can listen to the voice clip here:
