The North West MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Manketsi Tlhape has expressed in shock her most sincere, heartfelt condolences to Mafereka family over the untimely death of the North West Chairperson of the Commission on Traditional Leadership Disputes and Claims, Commissioner Malefetsane Joel Mafereka who passed away at Sunninghill Hospital after suffering ill health for a while now.
“Commissioner Mafereka has contributed meaningfully in this province when dealing with the challenges of claims and disputes that are currently facing institutions of traditional leadership. We are really saddened by his death, as we mourn with them our heartfelt condolences go to his family and we hope and pray that God grants them the strength during this difficult time,” she said.
Upon his untimely death, Mafereka was serving as a Member of Parliament, member of the National Commission on Traditional Leadership Disputes and Claims which informed his current position as the North West Chairperson of the Commission.
MEC Tlhape added that commissioner Mafereka steered the commission into the right direction and his impeccable vision has resulted to some of the traditional leadership disputes and claims being resolved.
“This is really unfortunate as there is still a lot of work to be completed at the commission. These achievements have really assisted in restoring people’s confidence in government and it has most importantly bridged the gap between government and our traditional communities so as to stabilize governance in institutions of traditional leadership,” she added.
Before being appointed as a commissioner, Mafereka has been the Speaker of Free State Legislature, Free State Member of Executive Committee (MEC) responsible for Traditional Leadership and was well experienced in customary law.
Commission on Traditional Leadership Disputes and Claims was established in terms of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, 2003 (Act 41 of 2003) (Framework Act) to restore the dignity and the integrity of the traditional communities and the entire institution of traditional leadership across the country.
