Reconciliation Day: Premier Ntuli urges continuous action to curb rural violence

As South Africa commemorates Reconciliation Day, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli says there is still significant work to be done to calm and curb conflicts in the province's rural areas.

In recent years, KZN communities have experienced village disputes that frequently turn deadly. Many of these "wars"—particularly in areas like Ulundi and Nongoma—are allegedly linked to stock theft and other local grievances.

Premier Ntuli addressed these concerns while welcoming President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is set to deliver the keynote address for the national commemorations.

“I am glad, Your Excellency, that we have the presence of their Royal Highnesses, Amakhosi, who are with us today,” Ntuli said. “As we know, we are still faced by inter-village wars in rural communities; hence, it is important that we take the dialogues to those communities.”

The Premier emphasised that achieving peace will require more than a single gathering to encourage lasting reconciliation among the people.

“Reconciliation, therefore, is not a single event or symbolic gesture,” Ntuli added. “It is a continuous process that requires courage, leadership, and the willingness of citizens to see one another as equals bound by a common destiny.”