The Mpumalanga premier, Mandla Ndlovu, addressed members of the Provincial House of Traditional and Khoisan leaders, to mark the official opening of the house for the current financial year last Tuesday.

The house is a key governance structure that advocates for the development of communities in rural areas and the preservation of cultural heritage and customs in the province. The occasion marks a central moment for the premier as it affords him the opportunity to outline government’s developmental and service delivery plans for rural communities during the year under review. Progress in the implementation of previous commitments can also be shared.

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The provincial government has a working relationship with the institution of traditional leadership and continues to provide them with much-needed support, such as the renovation of offices for traditional councils and provision of vehicles as tools of trade.

Ndlovu discussed various things, including strengthening the institution of traditional leadership.
He said that over the past year they have purposefully invested in empowering traditional leaders, providing them with essential tools of trade to enable them to serve our communities more effectively and sustainably.

They have initiated the construction of dedicated offices for traditional leaders across the province. These offices will serve as accessible hubs for community engagement, streamlining the processes through which leaders can provide structured support.

“By establishing these spaces, we enhance the functionality of traditional leadership and affirm the vital role these leaders play within our governance framework. Our investments underscore a foundational belief that traditional leadership is indispensable to the fabric of our society. By equipping our leaders with the necessary resources, we empower them to navigate the complexities of modern governance while remaining rooted in our rich cultural heritage.”

Ndlovu said that as the government, they are committed to supporting traditional councils with necessary resources.

“Today’s gathering is a testament to our shared responsibilities. We are entrusted not only with guiding our people, but also with stewarding the land and environment that sustains us. It is imperative that we advocate for development that respects our traditions while embracing innovation, ensuring that future generations inherit a heritage that is both rich and vibrant.”

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Ndlovu said that the traditional leaders play a vital role in preserving cultural identity, mediating conflicts, and guiding their communities with profound wisdom.
He said the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has already taken significant steps to empower

Amakhosi within the province, by offering training on the Traditional Courts Act.
“As the department drafts regulations for this Act, we will conduct further training to ensure our traditional leaders are equipped to navigate the evolving legal landscape once this process concludes.”