12 March 2009
Premier Edna Molewa will on 17 March 2009 in Mafikeng open the eighth
session of the third term of the North West house of traditional leaders. The
opening will mark 15 years since the establishment of this institution in the
democratic South Africa. North West house of traditional leaders was the first
in the country in 1994.
Molewa has in the past reiterated the importance for a coherent and healthy
relationship between traditional leadership and government. She said rural
development was vital in the upliftment of people's lives.
In the last fifteen years said Molewa, the North West house of traditional
leader has transformed to a dynamic institution, having adjusted itself to
conforming to present and future challenges. "Our primary focus as leaders
should be social development to benefit the people, ensuring a secure
environment. It is incumbent upon all of us to eradicate poverty and fight
unemployment," she said.
The primary function of the house among others is to advice the provincial
government on matters pertaining to customary law, customs, traditional
leadership and traditional communities. It plays a role in the development of
legislation that impacts on traditional communities and also participates in
provincial government initiatives and programmes aimed at monitoring, reviewing
or evaluating government programmes in rural communities.
The North West house of traditional leaders has in the last fifteen years
registered remarkable achievements. It has responded in a number of
legislations referred to it such as the Municipal Systems Act of 2000 and the
Communal Property Act of 28 of 1996.
It continues to play a pivotal role in the mediation and resolution of
succession disputes and other related matters. More recently the house was
instrumental in the establishment of two local houses of traditional leaders in
2007. In 2008 the North West house of traditional leaders signed a memorandum
of understanding with the local government Sector Education and Training
Authority (SETA) and played a key role in the training of thirty Dikgosi in the
province.
The opening will be attended by members from traditional houses from around
the country including Botswana. The fifteen years celebrations according to the
organisors promise to be a joyous affair. While the one programme continues at
the chambers of the old parliament, the overflow of community guests will watch
a live broadcast at Kgotla of Barolong Boo Ratshidi in the Stadt.
The Kgotla will also host a cultural festival of song and dance to showcase
the cultural diversity. The popular cultural group Ngwao ya Chona will top the
bill. Also on the line up is Johnny Mokgadi of "Lerato ka mogala" fame, a
Sesotho and IsiZulu troupe from Klerksdorp and Namane tsa Tholo from
Botswana.
Community members are invited to attend the festivities at Kgotla ya
Barolong Boo Ratshidi.
Media is invited to attend the event. For confirmation contact:
Daisy Tsengiwe
Tel: 018 387 3156
Cell: 071 935 7443
E-mail: dtsengiwe@nwpg.gov.za
Margaret Matshoba
Cell: 018 387 4298
For more information, contact:
Cornelius Tanana Monama
Cell: 082 578 4063
Tel: 018 387 3456
E-mail: cmonama@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
12 March 2009
