MBOMBELA – The Mpumalanga Traditional Leaders continue to receive much-deserved recognition and support from the provincial government.
This became evident when the premier, Mr David Mabuza announced that traditional headmen (tindvuna) would now earn a monthly salary of R6 740.
“For the institution of traditional leadership to reclaim its status within society, government is also expected to provide adequate support, particularly in the area of capacity building and institutional efficiency.
To this end, the ruling party has been introducing a range of interventions to support leaders at various stages of the evolvement of this institution.
“We are improving the conditions of traditional leaders and their subordinates.
“The proclamation made by the president, Mr Jacob Zuma on the determination of salaries and allowances of traditional leaders, members of the house, both national and provincial, we are pleased to announce that the salaries of headmen and headwomen will be increased fromR2 000 to R6 740 per month with immediate effect,” said Mabuza.
He made this announcement during the opening of the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders last Friday.
“We are renovating the palaces of our two kings. As we speak, the construction of the two palaces for our kings, King Makhosoke II and King Mabhoko III has already started.
In addition, we have also decided not to renovate traditional council offices, but rather build new ones altogether. “In the 2014/15 financial year we will be building four new traditional council offices.
“Parallel to the process of rebuilding the institution, we have also prioritised a few areas of work that will contribute meaningfully towards the reduction of unemployment, poverty and inequality,” he added.
This move received an overwhelming applause from chiefs, including their leader, the chairman of the house, Kgoshi Lameck Mathupa Mokoena, who hinted that since Mabuza had come into power, their has been restored.
“This proves that the ANC government and especially Mabuza’s administration know and understand the role of traditional leaders.
“The government has given us back our dignity and has created a smooth working relationship between us and our communities.
“We are really happy and satisfied with the way it is handling our affairs,” said Mokoena.
