The North West Provincial Government has increased funding to support the institution of traditional leadership by increasing its allocation from R9,9 million to R27 million for the 2014/15 financial year, Premier Thandi Modise announced during the official opening of the North West Provincial House of Traditional Leaders held in Mahikeng on Friday.
“For us as government, it is essential to provide necessary space and support to traditional leadership institutions, to contribute to strengthening the system of local government through systematic and structured participation in development and service delivery initiatives of government,” said Premier Modise.
Premier Modise, who was accompanied by MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Manketse Tlhape, said the establishment of the House of Traditional Leadership was an acknowledgement, by government, of the important role the institution of traditional leadership can play in defending and consolidating democracy.
“We will continue to support the traditional leadership institutions to acquire requisite capabilities to play a critical role in community development and local economic development,” said Modise, adding that plans to build a finishing school of traditional leadership were already at an advanced stage.
She reiterated the call by President Jacob Zuma for traditional leaders and their communities to discharge their civic duty on the 7 May of exercising their democratic right to vote for progress voting to move South Africa forward.
Premier Modise used the occasion to handover 4X4 Ford Ranger Double Cab bakkies to 19 traditional leaders which she said are part of an array of benefits aimed at making the lives of traditional leaders easy.
These included government subsidised motor vehicle scheme, cellphone allowance, medical aid and subsistence and travel allowance for all qualifying traditional leaders.
There was ululation when Premier Modise announced that the salaries of headmen and headwomen will increase from R2 000 to R6 740 per month with immediate effect.
Modise said this increment will be backdated from 1 April 2013.
In welcoming the announcements by Premier Modise, Chairperson of the North West House of Traditional Leaders Kgosi Professor Madoda Zibi said the pronouncement was an indication that the government takes traditional leaders seriously.
“This is an indication that the government is serious about traditional leaders. The government is working together with us to improve the lives of our people. This will also go a long way in improving the dignity of Dikgosi, which was eroded by apartheid and colonialism,” said Kgosi Zibi.
“The new vehicles we received today will enable us to go to meetings and service all our communities including those in far flung areas,” said the elated Kgosi Lepono Mathibe of the Bahwaduba Traditional Council in Moretele.
Kgosigadi Anthea Seatlholo and Kgosi Keobusitse Moiloa concurred, saying that the generosity of the government was an indication that the government respects and recognises the role that traditional leaders play.
The opening was attended by the Chairperson of the National House of Traditional Leaders, Kgosi Pontsho Maubane, Representatives of Houses of Traditional Leaders in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Northern Cape as well as representatives from traditional leadership in Botswana.
Ten year-old Oratile Mashaba from Bogatsu Primary School in Letlhakeng village located in Moses Kotane Local Municipality was the toast of the opening of the 9th session of the 5th term of the North West Provincial House of Traditional Leaders when he received special merit certificate in recognition for outstanding performance, hard work, dedication and commitment.
Oratile had scooped a gold medal in the 1 200 metres track race for boys at the South African Schools Athletics Primary Schools Championships held in Paarl last month.
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