By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
Deputy President Paul Mashatile hosts the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders (NHTKL) who is led by Chairperson Kgosi Thabo Seatlholo, in a high level-dialogue.
This is to honour the official opening of NHTKL as Deputy President Mashatile hosts this dialogue in his capacity as the Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team on Traditional Leadership Matters. The High-Level dialogue was hosted at the Tshwane Council Chamber in Pretoria this morning.
Key points that were discussed included matters of land ownership and rural development, which pertains to implementing socio-economic development in rural communities.
Other points included matters regarding institutional support for traditional leaders by strengthening institutional capacity as well enhancing support systems for traditional leadership.
“This dialogue is essential in ensuring that the government fortifies its partnership with the institution of traditional leadership which I consider to be a direct conduit between the government and local communities.” said Mashatile in his opening remarks.
“As voices of your communities and guardians of tradition, we as government have to integrate you into the process of decision making ensuring that your views are respected, especially in the areas of land, inadequate infrastructure, customary law, fight against poverty, and community development.” Mashatile added.
The bridge between government and local communities is a bridge that is being consolidated as the government believes this is a true way to reflect the needs of the people.
Land ownership has been one of the most sensitive topics within the country due to past atrocities and this dialogue is a stepping stone towards mending this grievances faced by local communities, specifically with Traditional and Khoi-San communities which are very few in number as this is an effort to further conserve the heritage of this bloodline.
The Deputy President also made mention of the Traditional and Khoi-San leadership bill, which is still yet to be approved by cabinet and introduced into parliament as actual law.
“The traditional and Khoi-San leadership bill is a critical piece of legislation. It seeks to formally recognise the Khoi and San communities and their leadership structures, while also addressing the deficiencies of the traditional leadership and government framework act number 41 of 2003.” said Mashatile. This bill aims to “recognize and regulate Traditional and Khoi-San leadership institutions” the Deputy President explained.
