The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, is leading a government delegation in the first meeting with kings, queens and principal traditional leaders from across the country.

This three-day engagement began this morning in Pretoria, and follows a meet and greet with Their Majesties, which was attended by Hlabisa and CoGTA Deputy Ministers, Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe and Dr Namane Dickson Masemola, in August.

Hlabisa is accompanied by several Ministers and Deputy Ministers, who are part of the Task Team on Traditional Leadership.

The delegation includes the Members of the Executive Council (MECs) of CoGTA, the national and provincial chairpersons of the House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, as well as senior government officials.

‘Government recognises and supports the critical role of traditional leadership institutions in South Africa’s constitutional democracy and communities, especially in relation to prioritising development in rural and trad
itional areas,’ CoGTA said.

According to the department, the recognition of kings, queens and principal traditional leaders is regulated by sec 7 (1)(a) (i) and (ii) of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act No 3 of 2019 (the TKLA).

Kings, queens and principal traditional leaders have a customary role to play as leaders of traditional communities. They also have a role in nation-building and social cohesion through the promotion of peace, stability and unity within the traditional communities under their jurisdiction.

Furthermore, the department explained that the establishment of a Forum of South African Majesties will ensure a continuous interface between Their Majesties and government, in aid of seamless coordination, particularly on issues of mutual interest and inclusive development.

‘The institution of traditional leadership continues to serve as a reliable and valuable compass of society and the development of the nation.

‘The engagement will receive progress reports from government on matter
s raised previously by Their Majesties, ranging from land reform, rural infrastructure, socio-economic development, as well as the preservation of culture and heritage, among others,’ the department said.

Source: South African Government News Agency