The chairman of the house of traditional leaders in the Eastern Cape has been temporarily suspended pending an investigation into his alleged violation of the containment regulations.
Xolile Nqatha, the Eastern Cape MEC for traditional affairs and cooperative government, temporarily suspended Nkosi Mwelo Nonkonyana on Thursday, saying it will remain in effect until the department’s investigation is completed.
Nonkonyana apparently attended the funeral despite the advice of government officials.
The house’s executive council has already been informed of Nqatha’s decision and they have objected to it.
Nqatha said in a statement that the decision to temporarily suspend Nonkonyana was made in his own interest, the provincial house of traditional leaders, as well as the Eastern Cape government to curb the number of positive cases of Covid-19.
“I believe it is important for us as leaders to speak with one mouth and avoid contradictory statements as we continue to fight the Covid-19 pandemic,” Nqatha said.
In the meantime, Nkosi Langa Mavuso, deputy chairman of the house in the Eastern Cape, will act as chairman.
