The Mpumalanga government has issued a stern warning to individuals falsely claiming to be traditional leaders, saying those found misleading communities could face criminal charges and other legal action.

The Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) says it is deeply concerned about people presenting themselves as “Paramount Chiefs” and other traditional leaders without official government recognition.

According to the department, the practice is misleading members of the public, political parties and organisations, while also damaging the credibility and dignity of traditional leadership institutions protected by the Constitution.

MEC for CoGHSTA, Speed Mashilo, said anyone claiming to be a traditional leader must be able to provide an official Government Gazette confirming their recognition, as well as a government-issued Certificate of Recognition.

“Failure to produce such official proof renders such claims highly questionable, illegitimate and potentially unlawful,” Mashilo said.

He described the growing trend of individuals falsely portraying themselves as recognised traditional leaders as a serious concern. Mashilo stressed that no person may declare themselves a Principal Traditional Leader, Senior Traditional Leader, Headman, Headwoman, King or Queen without formal government recognition in terms of the Traditional and Khoi-san Leadership Act of 2019.

The MEC warned that authorities are prepared to take strong action against offenders, including criminal investigations, fraud charges, court interdicts and referrals to law enforcement agencies. Government may also publicly expose unlawful activities linked to false claims of traditional leadership.

Mashilo urged those unlawfully using traditional titles to stop immediately.

“They must cease misrepresenting themselves, misleading communities, exploiting traditional institutions for personal gain and creating confusion within communities,” he said.

He added that failure to comply could result in serious legal consequences.

“Government remains committed to protecting legitimate traditional leadership institutions and ensuring compliance with the law,” Mashilo said.

The warning was echoed by the Chairperson of the Mpumalanga Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-san Leaders, Kgosi Lameck Mokoena, who reminded the public that recognised traditional leaders are officially appointed through legal processes.

Mokoena explained that traditional leaders in provinces are formally recognised by Premier Mandla Ndlovu, while kings and queens are recognised by President Cyril Ramaphosa in accordance with national legislation.

He urged political parties, organisations and community members to verify the status of anyone claiming traditional leadership authority before engaging with them.

The department has called on residents to remain vigilant and to report suspected cases of misrepresentation, saying the protection of legitimate traditional leadership structures is vital for maintaining public trust and preserving cultural heritage in the province.