Six African monarchies abolished

Reuters

'DEGRADING': South African president Jacob Zuma is seeking 4 million rand for defamation.

Relevant offers

Africa

Bungled conservation effort kills Sth African rhino Libyan refugees killed in camp Egypt to try 19 Americans in case straining ties Catching malaria comes with the job Four more dead in ongoing Egypt violence Police shoot protesters in Suez - report Egyptians incensed after 74 die in football tragedy Gaddafi daughter's appeal on jailed brother rejected South Africa recalls 1.35 million condoms Americans take refuge at Cairo embassy

South Africa's president says six of the country's traditional monarchies are being abolished. 

The country's 13 black ethnic kingships were used to muster support for white-led rule in the apartheid era before democratic elections in 1994. 

Some of the monarchs were appointed by the apartheid government with few legitimate claims to their throne. 

President Jacob Zuma told reporters the new move aimed to correct ``the wrongs of the past.'' 

Leaders of the six kingships affected by the move have said they will challenge their demotion in court. 

Traditional leaders who preside over hearings to resolve tribal disputes are revered in many parts of Africa as the hereditary custodians of customs, traditions and land ownership.

- Reuters