Pretoria: Traditional leaders play a crucial role as partners with the government in striving to enhance the economy and the quality of life for every South African, as emphasized by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Speaking at the opening of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, the President highlighted the indispensable role of traditional leadership in supporting the nation's development.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa underscored that traditional leaders are the pillars upon which communities rely during times of uncertainty, providing guidance and wisdom inherited through generations. He likened the institution of traditional leadership to the roots that support the nation, offering stability, identity, and cultural continuity. The President acknowledged the role of traditional leaders in promoting social cohesion, mediating conflicts, and preserving cultural values, which are key to the nation's strength.
The President pointed out the acute challenges faced by rural areas due to service delivery issues in local government. Poorly maintained roads hinder farmers from transporting goods, and the lack of accessible healthcare and education facilities burdens rural populations. Water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change, poses significant challenges to rural farmers, affecting their ability to sustain livestock and crops. The President emphasized the importance of learning from traditional communities to address these issues effectively.
The government, through the District Development Model, is working to align planning and service delivery across districts and metros, collaborating with traditional leaders to understand community needs and priorities. The Presidential Employment Stimulus has created over 2.5 million opportunities for young people, including rural areas. Initiatives like the Social Employment Fund and the National Rural Youth Service Corps are bolstering youth development and agricultural productivity.
Agriculture remains a vital sector for rural communities. The government is committed to supporting farmers, particularly black producers, through innovative funding and technical support. Plans include deploying 10,000 new agricultural extension officers and enhancing training funded by the AgriSETA to attract more young people to agriculture.
With significant reserves of critical minerals, the government is investing in exploration and setting up legal frameworks to prevent environmental degradation and ensure that mining benefits rural communities. President Ramaphosa emphasized the need for collaboration between government and traditional leaders to ensure these resources generate local employment and business opportunities.
The President commended the House's collaborations with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the National Heritage Council. He urged traditional leaders to continue being a stabilizing force in democracy and national life, contributing to rural economic renewal, youth empowerment, and the strengthening of social cohesion.