Traditional leaders receive new vehicles
The department replaces vehicles every five years based on qualifying dates.
The Limpopo MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Basikopo Makamu, said the recent handover of vehicles to the Bapedi Kingdom and Balobedu Queenship will strengthen the institution of traditional leadership and enable the leaders to better serve their communities.
Makamu said the vehicles would allow traditional leaders to carry out their responsibilities with dignity, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting traditional leadership.
Bapedi Kingdom Queen Regent Manyaku Thulare in Sekhukhune District, Maebe Tjate Royal Palace in Mohlaletse, and Queen Masalanabo Modjadji VII received the vehicles during a handover ceremony held late last month.
“We are happy that our traditional leadership’s dignity is intact,” Makamu said.
Department spokesperson Tsakani Baloyi said the procurement process was implemented in three phases.
According to Baloyi, the province allocated R55m during the 2023/2024 financial year to purchase 102 vehicles in the first phase of the programme.
In the second phase, implemented during the 2024/2025 financial year, R38.5m was allocated for the purchase of 60 vehicles for senior traditional leaders.
Baloyi added that nine additional vehicles are currently being procured for newly recognised senior traditional leaders as well as leaders whose disputes and court matters have been resolved.
Traditional leaders are permitted to select vehicles to the value of R550 000 and may contribute additional funds should they prefer more expensive models.
Baloyi said the department purchases the vehicles directly from dealerships through an existing contract arrangement instead of a tender process.
She further explained that vehicles are replaced every five years based on the date each traditional leader previously received a vehicle.
“The department keeps a record of their qualifying date,” Baloyi said.
