Two-day indaba in Mbombela addresses various issues related to traditional leadership
These traditional leaders had the opportunity to raise their concerns and some resolutions were made.
As a way to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Mpumalanga while addressing pertinent issues that impact traditional communities, a two-day indaba was hosted at Emnotweni Arena on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 17 and 18.
The MEC for co-operative governance, human settlements and traditional affairs, Speed Mashilo, in partnership with the Mpumalanga House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders (MPHTKL), hosted this event, which was aimed at strengthening partnerships between traditional leadership and local government entities, enhancing service delivery and promoting inclusive governance.
Additionally, it provided a dedicated platform for senior traditional leaders to voice their challenges within the framework of traditional leadership. The event emphasised the essential role of traditional leadership in fostering social cohesion, preserving culture and pursuing sustainable development within rural communities.
This indaba represented a pivotal opportunity for stakeholders to come together, engage in meaningful dialogue, share valuable insights and collaboratively shape the future of traditional leadership in Mpumalanga.
The MPHTKL’s chairperson, Chief Lameck Mokoena, said they wanted to address critical issues, which included the killing of traditional leaders.
“This cannot be shelved anymore. Some resolution has to be taken. I am happy to say that the SAPS has promised that security will be provided to all amakhosi.”
Mokoena said another resolution was made regarding land invasion. “It is a serious issue in our country; we said in Mpumalanga something must be done similar to what is being done in Gauteng, where there are eviction orders. When anyone invades any land, they are immediately removed. Currently, it is not being done here. It depends on who is reporting it and the swiftness of the law enforcement.”
He also raised his concerns about people who claim to be traditional leaders who are not. “They are mushrooming and they are disturbing the smooth running of many traditional institutions, to the extent that they allocate sites without the permission of a chief,” said Mokoena.
