Former AbaThembu Queen Calls for Support for Royal FamiliesFormer AbaThembu Queen and Princess of the AmaNgxongo Royal House, Nolubabalo Mcinga, has called on the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, to urgently address challenges facing South Africa’s royal institutions.
In a public statement, Mcinga said she is still waiting for a meeting that the minister promised her 16 months ago while she was serving as a Member of Parliament.
She said recent events in the Zulu Royal Household have highlighted the need for better support systems for Kings, Queens and members of royal families.
Mcinga is proposing the establishment of a National Royal Leadership, Induction and Wellness Programme that would provide training, counselling and support for traditional leaders and their spouses.
She also called for formal training for Queens on royal protocol, customary law and conflict resolution, as well as emotional and psychological support for Kings.
According to Mcinga, stronger support structures would help resolve conflicts within royal households privately and protect the dignity of traditional institutions.
“The time for reform is now,” Mcinga said.
