The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) and Congress of Traditional Leaders of SA (CONTRALESA), today launched a ground breaking Memorandum of Agreement which aims to benefit and develop rural communities.
Both the dti and CONTRALESA have agreed to work together to empower CONTRALESA and its sub-structures to form business enterprises that would assist its constituencies to empower themselves in accessing offerings of the department.
The institutions agreed to form strong partnership between the Parties with a view of taking the work of the dti to Rural and Peri-urban constituencies of CONTRALESA for their benefit.
The memorandum is also making a commitment to broaden the consultative forums between the Parties whenever the dti formulates or develops policies, laws and programmes.
Today’s launch allows the parties to form strong relations with CONTRALESA in order for the organisation to work within its structures and other structures such as the Houses of Traditional Leaders (HTL) and Institute of African Royalties in order for the dti to popularise its programmes to the widest possible rural areas of South Africa.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Minister of the dti, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe said that the department belief that the partnership will enhance the access to services offered by the government.
“We are resolved in designing programs that meet the needs of communities. Our relations are a precursor to future partnerships with other social partners as we seek to consolidate the democratic developmental State. We believe that in the spirit of continuously consolidating relations between the traditional governance institution and ourselves, we will deliver in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of South Africa,” said Thabethe.
The President of CONTRALESA iNkosi Phathekile Holomisa said the agreement heralds a new era of opportunities for rural communities and committed his organisation in ensuring that the agreement works for the benefit of those communities.
The event was attended by CONTRALESA’s National Executive Committee and Provincial Leadership.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe - Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
