Major boost for local chiefs, kings and queens in Limpopo

POLOKWANE – Limpopo premier, Stan Mathabatha, said R57 million was allocated for the construction and refurbishment of traditional council offices.

Mathabatha was speaking during the official opening of the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders in Polokwane on Thursday.

The house met for the first time since the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic in 2019.
“I am also pleased to announce that our provincial government has already implemented the presidential proclamation on the adjustment of the salaries of traditional leaders. This salary adjustment has also affected the salaries of the chairperson of the House of Traditional Leaders, his deputy and allowances for part-time members,” said Mathabatha.

He said they are planning to buy new cars for the magoshi of the province.

“Our commitment to support the institution of traditional leadership would be without substance if traditional leaders are not assisted with the tools of trade.
“I have accordingly noted that the five-year lifespan of the vehicles which were procured for senior traditional leaders expired in March this year. I have accordingly instructed the MEC for CoGHSTA, Basikopo Makamu, to facilitate the process of procuring new vehicles for senior traditional leaders.”

In addition, government has set asideR5 million to procure furniture for 21 traditional council offices across the province.

To encourage the magoshi to focus on farming, new tractors and cattle will also be handed to the leaders.
“Historically, traditional leaders were the ones responsible for feeding the poor in our communities. All traditional leaders to be appointed from now moving forward, will receive a brand-new and fully equipped tractor for ploughing, four cows and one bull. This initiative is aimed at making sure that traditional councils revive their culture of feeding the poor in our communities.”