North West MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Manketse Tlhape, says she will continue to play a defined role in supporting the institution of traditional leadership to ensure success to their programme of action.
MEC Tlhape, who has been at the helm of Local Government and Traditional Affairs since two weeks ago, met with members of the North West House of Traditional Leadership during their first engagement at Ga-lowe (Old Parliament) Chambers in Mahikeng, yesterday.
“It is a great honor to be the part of this gathering and to meet the members of the House of Traditional Leadership. Being the MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs is not an easy task but with your support we will reach greater heights in our effort to make institutions of traditional leadership viable by bringing good governance, stability and advance developmental objectives. We acknowledge as a department, that we have a mammoth task of ensuring that this time around, we run credible elections that are free and fair”, she said.
She appealed for the support of traditional leaders and called for their total commitment and participation. “It’s important that we hold this election so that decisions taken in traditional councils are not challenged for their legality.
We will do everything in our power to ensure that the traditional council elections continue in a date that will be announced soon. I’m appealing to all the Dikgosi in the province to commit to the elections and make it a success”, she said.
MEC Tlhape was warmly received by the Dikgosi who in return pledged their support. Chairperson of House of Traditional Leaders Kgosi Madoda Zibi said “As the Dikgosi in the province we are looking forward to work hand in glove with MEC Tlhape especially in making sure that the traditional council elections becomes a success. The elections are important for good governance and stability in our respective villages.”
Next in her series of engagements will be the districts where she is to meet executive mayors, mayors, councillors, community development workers as well members of local and district house of traditional leadership. The department is in consultation with relevant stakeholders to map way forward regarding the traditional council elections which are envisaged to be held not later than the end of this year.
Contact:
Dineo Lolokwane
Cell: 072 542 8444
