17 Limpopo chiefs receive ‘long-awaited’ vehicles
The vehicles were handed over by the MEC for Traditional Affairs, Basikopo Makamu, along with the Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, at a ceremony held at the Seshego government garage.
POLOKWANE – Seventeen traditional leaders in Limpopo received new vehicles last Monday as part of a broader initiative to improve resources needed to support their communities.
The vehicles were handed over by the MEC for Traditional Affairs, Basikopo Makamu, along with the Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, at a ceremony held at the Seshego government garage.
This latest handover is part of a larger effort that began in September 2023, with a total of 124 vehicles delivered so far.
An additional 39 vehicles are set to be distributed to remaining traditional leaders.
The handover has, however, stirred controversy among traditional leaders.
The Royal Leaders of South Africa (Rolesa) expressed frustration over the delay in receiving their vehicles.
Kgoshi Letsiri IV Phaahla, national deputy president of Rolesa, criticised Provincial Government for making them “wait for weeks after being informed that vehicle insurance was required”.
Even after the applications were approved, they did not receive the vehicles as expected, he said.
Phaahla alleged that the Department of Traditional Affairs postponed the handover to stage a media event.
“They want to create the impression that the ANC government is caring for traditional leaders, but in reality, these vehicles are tools of trade, not service delivery equipment,” he said. He further added that the delay was an insult to the dignity of traditional leadership, and called for more respect and efficiency in addressing their needs.
Meanwhile, MEC spokesperson Molebatsi Masedi reiterated that the handover event was scheduled for October 1, confirming the department’s plans for the ceremony.
