LIMPOPO – Speaking at an event to mark the end of Heritage Month at the Rakwadu Tribal Authority recently, Greater Letaba Mayor Peter Matlou said he will continue the work of his predecessors regarding the issue of the annual budget for cultural activities, cell phone allowances for traditional leaders, council participation by traditional leaders, the paving of roads to tribal offices, and training of traditional leaders in the role of councillors.
He said the municipality respects the role traditional leaders play in their communities by promoting governance and development, participating in identifying community needs, monitoring the implementation of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), and the monitoring of all developments in their areas.
Matlou urged traditional councils to resolve cases and disputes in their communities without the intervention of ‘white courts’, saying: “As traditional leaders, we urge you to resolve matters within the community. The courts of law must be the last resort”.
According to Matlou, traditional leaders assist in providing land for development and serve as a vital connection between the government and the community. “Traditional leaders assist in promoting cultural awareness and create stability,” he said.
Regarding the Heritage Month closing ceremony, Matlou said: “Traditional leaders and their advice was crucial whenever we had to resolve issues relating to tradition and culture. They are the epitome of the exemplary working relationship between government and the institution of traditional leadership. We trust that your successors will emulate your good example and build on the solid foundation you have laid.”
