Minister Thembi Nkadimeng is currently leading a meeting with Traditional Leaders as part of the build-up to the DDM Presidential Imbizo
The meeting with Traditional Leaders led by Minister Thembi Nkadimeng is currently underway as part of the build-up programme for the DDM Presidential Imbizo, hosted by the Emalahleni Municipality in the Nkangala District.
Outlining the purpose of the engagement, Deputy Minister; Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe highlighted the importance of the DDM and the One Plan which is focused on accelerating service delivery to uplift the lives of communities. The participation of Traditional Leadership in the District Development Model was outlined as a key component for the successful implementation of the key objectives of the programme.
In keeping with the spirit of the DDM under the theme “Leave no one Behind”, all relevant sectors and levels of government are represented.
In his input; Kgoshi Mokoena decried the killing of Traditional Leaders and requested the Minister’s urgent intervention to deal with this scourge. Furthermore, the Chairperson highlighted critical matters of Remuneration and benefits of Traditional Leaders, the full-time status of members of the National House, the implementation date of the Traditional Courts Bill which has now been signed, and the land issue. On the Gazetting of the Formula for Traditional Councils, Kgoshi Mokoena congratulated the Minister for achieving this critical milestone and thanked her for her commitment and leadership. Finally, the Chairperson was eager to know whether the President would be meeting with Traditional Leadership in Mpumalanga as part of his DDM Presidential Imbizo programme. The Chairperson also invited the Minister and leadership to attend the Official Opening of the Mpumalanga PHTKL.
The National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership was represented by its member of the Executive Committee; Kosi VW Mahlangu who raised concerns from the House among others the establishment of the Kings Forum and the ailing economy. Kosi Mahlangu requested the government to support the National House’s InvestRural strategy which is key to the uplifting of Rural Communities to be self-sustainable. There was also a plea for the Customary Initiation Act implementation programme to be supported with the necessary budget to facilitate the work of NIOC and PICCs towards achieving zero fatalities during Customary Initiation seasons.
Speaking on behalf of the Province, MEC Msibi highlighted some interventions geared towards working efficiently and effectively with the institution. There is a demonstrable commitment to working together with the institution to ensure that it is capacitated and adequately supported to fulfill its mandate.
A detailed presentation on the status of Traditional Leadership within the province was presented by the Secretary of the Provincial House; Ms Lettie Sibiya.
In her address; the Minister responded to the question about the President meeting with Traditional Leaders ahead of the Imbizo, detailing his commitment to meeting with the House.
She further commended the work of the province, outlining the areas where Mpumalanga is leading and setting the bar high for others to emulate.
Minister Nkadimeng detailed the processes currently underway with the Treasury on remuneration, highlighting the balance that needs to be struck on addressing desired outcomes against the available resources.
Mpumalanga’s formula for implementing the InvestRural strategy was sighted as a success that other provinces could take key lessons and learnings from.
On Customary Initiation, the Minister committed to have DM Burns-Ncamashe lead the government’s response to support for the work of NIOC and PICCs. She committed to strengthening systems to ensure that initiates “bahamba bephila, babuye bephila”.
Additionally, Economic Development as well as proper land allocation and management requires Traditional Leadership to be deliberate and consistent in making implementable decisions that stand to benefit their communities.
The Minister gave updates on various legislations and initiatives that require collaboration between the government and the institution, highlighting key interventions required from either end to ensure that ultimately, communities are empowered.
The Minister reiterated the date for the Debate on the President’s speech being set as March 26 and invited participation from the institution at this critical platform. She expressed gratitude to the entire institution and the Chairperson of the Mpumalanga House; Kgoshi Mokoena for consistently holding leadership accountable whilst supporting and celebrating the wins that move our communities forward.
The engagement was robust but cordial, with a clear appreciation that ultimately everyone remains committed to uplifting the lives of the communities they individually and collectively serve.
