Salary windfalls for chief

Traditional leaders in the province will receive a salary increment of R4 740 per month with immediate effect.

This was announced by premier David Mabuza during the official opening of the Mpumalanga Provincial House of Traditional Leaders last Friday.

In a press statement, Mabuza said government would continue to introduce a range of interventions to support traditional leaders at various stages in the evolvement of these institutions.

“We are improving the conditions of traditional leaders and their subordinates. After the proclamation made by president Jacob Zuma on the determination of their salaries and allowances, we are pleased to announce that the salaries of headmen and -women will increased from R2 000 per month to R6 740 per month with immediate effect,” he said.

Local chief, Kenneth Nkosi of the Emjindini traditional kraal, is among the 62 headmen and -women in the province set to benefit. He added that traditional leaders had to be consulted about any mining activities planned in their area of jurisdiction.

“Over the past years, we have seen the provincial government working very closely with the House of Traditional Leaders, trying to find better mechanisms to address the high level of unemployment which is rife in their areas of jurisdiction. We adopted a sectoral approach to address the challenge of employment,” said Mabuza.

He added that local residents of an area where a mine is operating, must be given preference in employment opportunities.

““Together with the minister of mineral resources, Susan Shabangu, we agreed that traditional leaders must be consulted about any planned mining activities in their area of jurisdiction. Locals, especially young people, must be given preference in employment opportunities,” concluded Mabuza.