Traditional leadership has an important role to play in contributing towards development and service delivery, specifically with regard to poverty alleviation, community development and empowerment programmes.
To this effect Gauteng Department of Local Government and Housing together with traditional leadership from the province and Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA) are currently running a two day workshop on governance in traditional leadership in Braamfontein.
Local Government and Housing MEC Humphrey Mmemezi said on the first day of the workshop that it is important for government to recognise the role of traditional leaders and their institutions in terms of their contribution to development and service delivery. “Traditional leaders need not only be recognised at a national level but also at provincial and local municipality levels,” said Mmemezi.
MEC Mmemezi told the delegates in attendance that the workshop should find ways to work towards a common goal that is to ensure that the dignity of the institution of traditional leadership is maintained and enhanced.
“However, in working towards a common goal we must take cognisance of the need to work within the legislative framework that governs activities relating to traditional leadership,” added Mmemezi.
CONTRALESA President Inkosi Phatekile Holomisa said traditional leaders should be accorded space in the new democratic South Africa. Adding that part of their responsibility is to bring back humanity. “Our people have abandoned their traditional ways of doing things. It is important for us as Africans to look after each other and our culture, and learn more from it,” said Inkosi Holomisa.
Outlining the role of traditional leadership, Unisa’s Centre for African Studies Professor Shadrack Gutto said constitutional democracy should begin to improve the incorporation of traditional leaders. “Traditional leaders are not given proper recognition by the legislation in terms of governance. Among other things, they (traditional leaders) are not independent the way the judiciary is,” said Professor Gutto.
He further mentioned that there is a need to impart skills development and capacity building to leaders throughout and not only traditional leaders. The workshop continues tomorrow where delegates will deliberate on the provision of support by government to traditional leadership.
Enquiries:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
E-mail: Motsamai.motlhaolwa@gauteng.gov.za
MEC recognises the role of traditional leaders in Gauteng
Province
