13 November 2006
Eradicating rural poverty is one of the most critical challenges facing
government today. Efforts by government to address poverty through the
introduction of poverty alleviation programmes have resulted in limited
success.
In the many approaches to deal with poverty such as the Integrated
Sustainable Rural Development Programme that responds to local needs and
opportunities, more work still needs to be done to win the battle against
poverty.
Bahumagadi, which refers to wives of traditional leaders in rural areas,
held a two-day conference in Mafikeng recently. Also in attendance was a
representation from the houses of traditional leaders in Limpopo and
Mpumalanga. In true African culture, mohumagadi is regarded as a mother of the
nation, who bears the responsible to ensure all social ills affecting her
community are attended to.
In this era the social ills would refer to street children, the HIV and AIDS
threats, child pregnancy, child grants, violence against women and children and
much more. With such challenges a mohumagadi would be expected to mobilise her
community to deal with the problems.
The conference among others addressed issues relating to advocacy, whereby
the women leaders can play a role of information dissemination to communities.
Other areas of interest are social development, economic development and
governance.
Responding to why the conference was called Premier Edna Molewa said it was
critical to hold this important seminar on the role of Bahumagadi in the
development of their communities. She said she believed Bahumagadi must take a
lead in rural and community development.
"This is because eradicating rural poverty is one of the most critical
challenges facing government today. Despite a great deal of work already done
by government and other sectors since the dawn of our democracy, rural poverty
has continued to be a critical challenge."
"We are also extremely proud of the fact that our traditional leaders are
not only grounded in the communities they lead, but have continually shown
their genuine readiness and incredible will to assist in the development of
their communities," said Premier Molewa.
"It is safe to reiterate here that as Africans we are unique in the world
for having traditional leaders who see themselves foremost as servants of the
people, dedicated to creating a better life for their communities."
Molewa said it was heartening to note that the transformation of the
institution of traditional leadership has continued apace since the legislation
passed in the house of traditional leaders allowing among other things for 40
percent of traditional councils to be democratically elected as well as the
requirement that 1/3 of these be women.
"This seems not related to the quality of development per se or anti-poverty
programmes in existence but to a seeming failure to co-ordinate and mobilise
rural communities to participate in these programmes," she said.
At the end of the two-day conference, the women had agreed to form a
structure that would address their interests. Mohumagadi Semane Molotlegi of
Bafokeng said the formalisation of the Bahumagadi structure would effectively
allow the body's programmes and initiatives to be successful as it would have
the full backing of the provincial government. The formalised structure will be
responsible to set up programmes and identify projects that will benefit rural
communities.
Contact:
Cornelius Tanana Monama
Spokesperson: North West Provincial Government
Tel: (018) 387 3456
Cell: 082 578 4063
Russel Mamabolo
Manager Media Relations
Tel: (018) 387 3103
Cell: 082 900 6610
Issued by: North West Provincial Legislature
13 November 2006
