North West Premier Thandi Modise has called on all traditional leaders to continue playing a key role as community advocates in articulating locally felt needs and expressing grievances and mobilising support for particular causes in varies communities of the province.
Making a plea at the official opening of the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders held at Lowe Building in Mahikeng on Thursday, Premier Modise said the role of traditional leaders must not be taken for granted because it is the most important feature of traditional communities.
“The task of building a democratic state requires that what is envisaged in the democratic dream is shared by all. The task of strengthening and consolidating democracy requires the participation of all leaders, including traditional leaders,” she said also adding that they must be part of the leadership that is leading South Africa towards a better life for all.
The ceremony which marked the sixth term of the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders was attended by amongst others, the National House of Traditional Leaders representatives, members of other Provincial House of Traditional leaders, MEC’s, Mayors, Councillors, Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature, Supra Mahumapelo and representatives of the House of the House of Chiefs from neighbouring Botswana.
Modise announced that the forensic investigation into the D-Account instituted by the provincial government has commenced and appealed for conflicts within royal houses to be reduced as they destabilise and perpetuates conflicts within traditional councils.
Premier Modise also called on all traditional leaders to become increasing involved in the struggle against HIV and AIDS.
“You have the respect and authority to influence people’s views and practices on all issues. We trust in the battle against HIV and AIDS you will advocate in for change in the most personal behaviours, such as sexuality. Let us mobilise the communities to take HIV and AIDS test so that they know their status, the sooner the better medical intervention could be timeously and more lives could be saved,” she said.
Premier further noted the five year strategic plan incorporating the most important government priorities which are national building, rural development and preservation of indigenous heritage.
She asked the traditional leaders to work with relevant provincial department, municipalities and the private sector to look into reviving cultural heritage.
“Traditional leaders must organise and participate in festivals that celebrate our traditional songs and dances, the importance of our songs lies in the fact they contain a lot of history and stories dealing with values and morals,” she cited.
She encouraged traditional leaders to participate in local initiatives that are aimed at monitoring, reviewing or evaluating government programmes in our traditional communities. Over the past years there has being concerns about illegal initiations schools in the North West Province.
The illegal initiations schools results in many cases around deaths, abductions and botched circumcision.
Premier Modise also called on the House of Traditional leaders to work on control measures that will help in regulating initiation schools across the province.
She said once the control measures are in place the hands of the justice system would be strengthened to deal with criminal behaviour of those running initiation schools.
In expressing support for the Premier’s anti-rape million signature campaign against during his closing remarks, Provincial Chairperson of the House of Traditional Leaders, Professor Madoda Zibi said that traditional leaders as custodians of culture, values and traditions support the Premier’s visionary leadership and will give the campaign their maximum support.
He committed that traditional leaders in the province will support any initiatives by the provincial government that are meant for the development of communities.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele (Spokesperson)
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
