BY ANDREW DLAMINI AND KWANELE TSABEDZE
LUDZIDZINI – “I will start off with Tinkhundla because they came before the western concept of Monarchical Democracy.”
This was Sibaya Day 4 panellist Chief Senzangakhona started off his address at the Sibaya People’s Parliament at Ludzidzini royal Kraal today. The Chief was tasked by programme director Acting Ludzidzini Governor Mashampu Khumalo to speak on monarchical democracy and the objective of the Tinkhundla system of governance.
He briefly told the history of how Tinkhundla was established to make sure that individual merit is put above all.
“Tinkhundla enable each member of the public to be able to raise up based on individual merit to serve the community. Tinkhundla are such that you serve the community in which you live, engaging politically with different members of the community and country leadership to build up your community,” revealed Chief Senzangakhona.
He went on to describe how Tinkhundla accumulated power from the people such that even the Speaker of Parliament is elected by elected representatives of the people.
“The main objective of Tinkhundla is that the king, the country, and the monarchy should be tied together with no separation. It is a unitary participatory system of governance. This means that the King and the people move in unison in the development of the country,” elucidated Chief Senzangakhona.
“Monarchical Democracy is a marriage between the monarchy and the ballot,” said Chief Senzangakhona, quoting His Majesty the King.
He went on to point out that each marriage has challenges once in a while, which can be ironed out through dialogue.
“What has hurt us as a nation is the lack of economic intelligence which will enable us to determine where livelihoods are going so we are not taken by surprise. The same goes for security intelligence which help us foretell any violent challenges that may be ahead for the country,” said the Chief.
“His Majesty should look into the issue of a Defense Council, which used to exist before. This is because when security issues arise, it should not appear as if the King is making decisions by himself as this is never the case. There are numerous security experts who would be beneficial to the Defense Council,” advised Chief Senzangakhona.
