Traditional Leaders from the Republic of South Sudan believe that the knowledge they gathered in North West province will go a long way in assisting them to build institutions of traditional leadership in their country.
The delegation of fifteen traditional leaders whom included the Kings, Paramount Chiefs and Dikgosi, are on a five-day study tour in the North West to gain knowledge of how Dikgosi operate in South Africa in order for them to establish similar institutions of Traditional leadership back in their country.
South Sudan is the newly established 56 African state, after a referendum that saw its establishment following a civil war that lasted for about 36 years.
“The revolution in South Africa is almost similar to that of South Sudan and we want to rebuild what has been destroyed by war especially in rural areas.
We can only do once we have learned how the government support the traditional leaders, how the traditional leaders can deliver service to communities as well as resolving disputes and administering justice” said James Lual Deng Kuel the Chaiperson of Committee of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation in South Sudan Parliament.
Akwai Agada Akwai, King of Anyuak said the South Sudan Traditional leaders are on a mission to learn how the traditional leadership in South Africa operate in the democratic dispensation and fit into the government administration after they were almost reduced to nothing by the apartheid regime. “We must build Councils of Traditional Leaders (COTAL) as soon as possible”, he said.
A presentation in the operations, laws, regulations, remunerations, bnenefits and despute handling as well as the assiatance to government and developmental activities in their communities was made.
Deputy Chairperson of the North West House of Traditional leaders Moshe Mabe said the visit by the traditional leaders from Republic of South Sudan into the country shows just how much they intend to pick up from the aftermath of the war and move into rebuilding the country and establishing institutions of traditional leaders.
“It is a remarkable journey that will see their recognition and their dignity and being restored. All traditional leaders in different African state must strive for recognition as there is a tribe or a clan that they lead, the constituency that they serve and the land that they own. The traditional authority must co-exist with government and together endeavor to effect change in the lives of their communities” said Mabe.
The delegation also visited Barolong boo RraTshidi Tribal Authority at Montshioa-stad in Mahikeng. They made a walkabout in the tribal authority and engaged Kgosi Jeff Montshioa on a number of issues.
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