Cape Town: President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged traditional leaders to collaborate with the Government of National Unity (GNU) to build a prosperous and inclusive future for South Africa. Addressing the annual opening of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL) in Cape Town, the President emphasized the critical role that traditional leadership plays in the country’s development.
According to South African Government News Agency, the President reaffirmed the historical significance of traditional leadership, noting its support for governance in rural and peri-urban communities, which often experience severe poverty, inequality, and climate change impacts. Highlighting recent devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal, Ramaphosa called on Amakhosi to collaborate with disaster management teams to safeguard rural communities from extreme weather.
President Ramaphosa condemned the rising assassinations of traditional leaders, labeling such attacks an ‘affront to our nation.’ He referenced the recent killing of Contralesa NEC member and Ndzundza-Fene Traditional Council Chairperson, Kosi Thugwana, stressing the need for law enforcement to apprehend those responsible.
The President reiterated the government’s commitment to working with traditional and Khoi-San leaders to foster unity and development. He emphasized the importance of their involvement in the upcoming National Dialogue, aimed at fostering inclusivity and shaping the country’s future.
Following the Constitutional Court’s ruling declaring the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act unconstitutional, steps are being taken to reintroduce a revised bill in Parliament. Ramaphosa urged traditional leaders to participate in consultations to ensure their interests are reflected in the new legislation.
The President also addressed customary initiation practices, particularly in the Eastern Cape, where fatalities and injuries remain a concern. Regulations have been gazetted for public comment, and guidelines are being drafted to regulate initiation school fees and prevent exploitation.
On land reform and economic development, Ramaphosa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equitable land sharing, noting the passage of the Expropriation Act. The Department of Land Reform and Rural Development will conduct public consultations on the Communal Land Tenure Bill.
President Ramaphosa called on Amakhosi to combat gender-based violence and femicide, emphasizing that such crimes have no place in African culture. He commended the House for its initiatives and urged greater involvement in protecting women and children.
He welcomed the launch of the Forum of South Africa’s Majesties, chaired by King Makhosonke II, and supported efforts to establish a similar platform for Queens. Traditional leaders were encouraged to engage with government ministries, particularly in mineral resources, to ensure communities benefit from the country’s natural wealth.
With South Africa set to host the G20 Summit later this year, the President urged traditional leaders to showcase the nation’s cultural heritage. He also addressed the Budget Speech postponement, explaining the need for further discussions to align the GNU’s priorities.
Despite challenges, Ramaphosa emphasized that cooperation and partnership are essential to building a better South Africa, where everyone enjoys equal opportunity and dignity.