COGTA MEC Fikile Xasa has committed his department to constructive engagement sessions with Kings and Queens to find collective solutions to the current challenges of the Eastern Cape Province and those that still lie ahead.
Speaking during a meeting with Eastern Cape Kings held at a an East London hotel today, MEC Xasa said the meeting was part of government’s agenda to “build and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders,”
The meeting was attended by Kings Ndamase-Ndamase of Western Pondoland, Dalimvula Matanzima of Western Thembuland, Mr Sabatha Mbalekwa of Qawukeni and senior Cogta officials.
“This is a consultative session to give our Kings an opportunity to make inputs to the Policy Speech for 2018/19 financial year. This we do in the interest of co-operative governance hence quarterly consultative meetings will be held in future to share information and best practices to build better traditional communities,” said MEC Xasa.
He added that government wants to create “certainty” about its commitment to work with all traditional leaders to restore their dignity as provided for in the Constitution of the country.
“The session was also an opportunity for me to share information with the Kings on the political transition in the country. The public mood generally is that of hope, change and renewal that must be sustained by all of us. The renewal is also a call for ethical leadership in the service of mankind. Mismanagement of public resources must be dealt with, without fear or favour. South Africans have renewed hope to the leadership of the ANC to deal with the challenges facing the country,” said MEC Xasa.
MEC Xasa said in line with the departmental strategic planning processes, his department will engage Kings on quarterly basis to review progress on the implementation of plans and get solutions to the existing challenges.
The Kings welcomed the initiative as a platform to share information on issues of rural development, tools of trade, capacity building and support to the Kingdoms, amongst other things.
Prince Burn-Ncamashe representing Queen Noloyiso Sandile of AmaRharhabe said the meeting “brings to the fore a new ethos to respond to the challenges that confront traditional leaders.”
“This approach will assist us to come up with a model for best practices in the entire country. We are building a new nation hence traditional leaders must feel relevant and respond to the call to serve our communities better.”
Meanwhile, MEC Xasa announced that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is committed to visit the Kingdoms of Nyandeni, Western Thembuland and Qawukeni, in the near future. Last month President Ramaphosa visited the Nqadu and Bumbane Kingdoms in the Eastern Cape Province.
Enquiries:
Mr Mamnkeli Ngam
Cell: 071 685 7981
