Mpumalanga premier hands over multipurpose office facility to traditional council in Bushbuckridge

The Mpumalanga premier, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, together with the acting MEC for co-operative governance and traditional affairs, Speed Mashilo, handed over the newly constructed office facility to the Mathibela Traditional Council in Oakley in Bushbuckridge on Tuesday May 14.

This council is led by the president of Contralesa and chairperson of the Mpumalanga House of Traditional and KhoiSan Leaders, Kgoshi Lameck Mothupi Mokoena.

“This momentous occasion serves as a testament to the province’s unrelenting efforts to strengthen ties with traditional leaders to ensure that the voices and concerns of our rural communities are heard and addressed. This state-of-the-art facility will provide a fitting platform for the Mathibela Traditional Council to carry out its vital work in fostering closer relationships between the traditional council, government, and the local community. This significant milestone is a beacon of hope for our communities as it symbolises the province’s dedication to building a brighter future for all,” Mtshweni-Tsipane said.

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“I am happy to inform that we have matched words with action through the construction of 22 offices and the renovations of 17 offices across the province. The provincial government would continue to provide R350 000 for administration grants and R250 000 as ceremonial grants for all the traditional councils led by senior traditional leaders, while traditional kings will receive R1m in administrative grants and R450 000 towards ceremonies,” she added.

In his response, Kgoshi Mokoena said at least 48 villages surrounding the Mathibela Traditional Council will benefit from the new offices.

“We request government institutions such as the Department of Home Affairs, the National Youth Development Agency and Sassa to bring services to the council by utilising the office space.”

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Notable guests at the handover included the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality’s executive mayor, Sylvia Nxumalo, and Dr Norah Fakude.