Six South African monarchies axed

SOUTH Africa is to abolish six of its traditional monarchies.

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

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

President Jacob Zuma said the 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.