Department release results on Traditional Council Elections
Following the successful conclusion of the first traditional council elections held recently in 52 traditional councils in three participating districts, North West Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs is releasing the results of the elections to different traditional councils across the province as from tomorrow.
The elections which were spearheaded by Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), afforded traditional communities the right to democratically elect their own representatives into their traditional councils.
MEC Manketsi Tlhape said, “The elections started with the registration process last year before the actual elections on January and March this year. It was not an easy exercise but ultimately we have withered the storm. We are proud to announce that our first democratic traditional elections have been concluded successfully and they are credible. In no time all the Dikgosi’s across the province will also submit the appointment of 60% of traditional councils before the formal constitution of all councils.”
Traditional council elections which were held in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Ngaka Modiri Molema and Bojanala Platinum District, were in line with the Traditional Leadership and Governance Act of 2005 which provides for the establishment of traditional councils in traditional communities for a term of five (5) years. Registered community members voted for the 40% of the traditional council. The other 60% will be appointed by Dikgosi and it will consist mostly of members of the royal family.
“I am very much excited that finally in the history of our traditional communities, proper councils will exist and our communities will enjoy the fair representation in this structure which will ensure the much anticipated and long awaited development. Our Dikgosi’s participation and cooperation is much appreciated,” she said.
Let me also take this opportunity to also applaud all departmental officials who pulled all the stops to ensure the success of the elections. If it was not for their meaningful contribution the department would have not tasted the success of this important project. It was not an easy task as many challenges were encountered however through their commitment and dedication all obstacles were accordingly dealt with. A job well done” said MEC Manketsi Tlhape.
Provincial Chairperson of North West House of Traditional Leaders Kgosi Madoda Zibi hailed the elections as an important democratic process that was long overdue in all traditional communities.
“The traditional councils in most of the traditional communities have been dysfunctional for some time as there was no sitting council to advance the interest of the communities. We are now all awaiting the results which will mark the establishment of new councils across the province. This will also bring about good governance and stability in all traditional communities,” said Kgosi Zibi.
The elections were the first of its kind for the department. The results are expected to be announced starting this Tuesday in all traditional councils across the three districts. Once the Dikgosi has submitted their 60%, councils will be formed and their constitution will be gazetted by the Premier. The next traditional council elections are expected to be held in the next five years.
Contact person:
Dineo Lolokwane
Cell: 072 542 8444
