Traditional leaders boosted

MBOMBELA – The provincial chairperson of the House of Traditional Leaders, Kgoshi Lameck Mathupa Mokoena, has welcomed government’s plans and interventions to improve and restore traditional leaders’ dignity.

Mokoena was reacting to the premier Mr David Mabuza’s speech during the official opening of the house recently. “This provincial government led by Mabuza has been nothing but good to us. To this end, the traditional leadership in the province acknowledges the critical role played by the provincial government in ensuring that traditional leaders are well taken care of.

“We also acknowledge government’s critical role in traditional leadership institutions in the province, particularly in relation to the rural-development strategy. It is only now that we feel we are part and parcel of this democratic government,” said Mokoena. Since being elected as the chairperson of the house, he has made some inroads and has successfully steered the traditional ship into friendly waters. It was since he took over that communities now understand the role and functions of the traditional house.

Just last week Amakhosi converged in Middelburg, Steve Tshwete Local Municipality to take stock of the achievements since the establishment of the House of Traditional Leaders in Mpumalanga 21 years ago and to redefine its role in the third decade of our democratic dispensation. “We welcome government’s commitment to restore the dignity of Amakhosi. We are happy to see that government is pulling out all stops to make this commitment a reality,” Kgoshi Mokoena added.

Mabuza said, “We will therefore continue to defend Indlu YoBukhosi and support it as best we can. Last year I made a promise that my government would take very serious steps in providing Amakhosi with tools that would make their working conditions much more bearable. Today I am happy to report to the house that we have fulfilled our commitment in this regard. Fifty-eight vehicles were delivered in November during a function at the Mbombela Stadium. Two were later delivered to Izingwenyama at their palaces.

“Despite constrained financial resources, we worked hard to deliver on this commitment and I take joy in the fact that Amakhosi were afforded an opportunity to make their own choices with regard to the vehicles that best suit their circumstances. This support forms part of the tools of trade for you to serve your subjects efficiently and effectively. Moreover, it is in line with our commitment to restore your dignity, trampled upon by the apartheid and colonialism systems.”

Government has refurbished 23 traditional-council offices which were in a bad state over the past two decades and Mabuza has committed himself and his government to continue to look after Amakhosi.