By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Cabinet has expressed “disgust” at the so-called coronation of Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as Igwe Ndigbo of East London, in KuGompo City.
Chaos erupted as demonstrators clashed with police, who deployed stun grenades in an attempt to restore order.
At the heart of the unrest is a viral video and images circulating on social media showing the so-called crowning of Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko.
During a post-Cabinet media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday, Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said this was “a mere kindergarten gimmick” and that it “has no legal effect”.
She said Cabinet confirmed that the establishment, recognition, and functioning of any traditional leadership structure are strictly governed by the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act, which provides clear and non-negotiable procedures for legitimacy and recognition.
“Cabinet noted the apology from the Nigerian High Commission on this matter and directed the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to continue engaging with the High Commission on the unacceptable conduct of Nigerians in South Africa that is unbecoming of visitors,” said the Minister.
She said it was deeply concerning that legitimate grievances over this matter have resulted in the acts of violence and criminality.
“Cabinet reminds citizens that the right to protest comes with responsibility, it must be exercised peacefully and within the confines of the law,” added the Minister.
Fuel Shortages
President Cyril Ramaphosa has established a Ministerial Task Team to coordinate government’s response to the impact on the cost of living, fuel and food security because of the disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The task team is being chaired by Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, and includes Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen, Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister Willie Aucamp and Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
As an immediate intervention, the task team recommended the R3/l reduction in the fuel levy for the period from April 1 to May 5, which reduced the level of the hikes that would otherwise have been implemented on both petrol and diesel for the period.
Ntshavheni said, Cabinet is kept abreast on the security of domestic fuel supply which is affected by the ongoing war, and it was assured that South Africa’s fuel system remains supply-adequate in the immediate period.
“Cabinet was informed that South Africa only relies on the Middle East supply for refined products,” Ntshavheni said.
She said that one of the considerations, in the medium- to long-term, would be to assess rebuilding of the country’s crude refineries, given that its main crude oil sources currently are Nigeria and Angola, which were not affected by the shipping disruptions.
Easter Weekend
As travellers begin to make their way to various destinations for the Easter and Passover holidays, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has reiterated its call for citizens to remain vigilant and take steps to safeguard their homes and ensure safety on the roads.
GCIS Acting Director-General Nomonde Mnukwa urged residents to take precautionary measures to protect their property while away.
“Ensure that all doors and windows are properly secured, and double-check all entry points before leaving home, even for short periods,” Mnukwa said.
She also cautioned against sharing travel plans publicly, particularly on social media platforms.
“Do not publicise your travel plans; avoid posting holiday details or locations on social media,” she added.
Mnukwa emphasised that road safety remains critical during the busy holiday period, calling on motorists to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations, to curb road fatalities and save lives.