Deputy President Paul Mashatile in his capacity as Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team on matters of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, will tomorrow, Tuesday, 24 October 2023, participate and speak at the “Xivijo”, convened by the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, scheduled to take place at the Ilanga Estate, Bloemfontein, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, in the Free State province.

“Xivijo” is a Xitsonga expression of a gathering, usually called by the Traditional leadership.

The 2023 Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders Xivijo, will take place under the theme: “Promotion of development and social cohesion in traditional communities through cooperation with the government and the private sector”, which emphasises the purpose and objective of building cohesive communities driven by the vision for development, Ubuntu and self-sustainability.

The Xivijo will be attended by representatives of the National, Provincial, and Local Houses of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, CONTRALESA, ROLESA, National Khoi-
San Council, government as well and private sector representatives, aims to engage on all matters affecting the institution of traditional leadership and its contribution to rural development.

Established by the President, the Inter-Ministerial Task Team led by Deputy President Mashatile, will during this candid session, present progress reports on work carried out by various work-streams led by cabinet ministers in addressing issues raised by the traditional leadership.

This will include progress achieved in:

• Advancing land ownership, tenure rights, and fast-tracking socio-economic development of rural communities.
• Building institutional capacity and ensuring support to Traditional and Khoi-San leaders.
• Advancing infrastructure investment and skills development in rural communities.
• Promoting unity, social cohesion, and nation-building in rural communities.
• Fast-tracking the finalisation of policy, legislative and constitutional matters.

The government is committed to working together with the institution of traditional leadership in addressing the socio-economic challenges facing the country and it is also dedicated to strengthening the significant role they play, in the reconstruction and development of the country, especially in rural areas.

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by Cabinet Ministers, the Premier of the Free State Province, Mr Mxolisi Dukwana as well as senior government officials.

Members of the media are invited to cover as follows:

DATE: Tuesday, 24 October 2023
TIME: 09H00 (media to arrive at 08h00)
VENUE: Ilanga Estate, Bloemfontein, Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Free State

Media Programme

• 08H00​ Arrival and accreditation of members of the media
• 09H00​ Meet and greet session with the Kings
• 09H30​ Welcoming Remarks by the Chairperson of the Free State House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Morena Neo Mopeli:
• 09H45 ​Purpose of the Xivijo by Chairperson of the NHTKL, Kgosi Thabo Milton Seatlholo:
09H55 ​Premier of the Free State Province Mr Mxolisi Dukwana
• 10H15 ​Remarks by Deputy President Paul Mashatile
• 10H40 ​Reflections on the Deputy President’s remarks by Deputy Minister for COGTA Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe:

For more information and accreditation, please contact Sam Bopape on 082 318 5251 or Khanya Ngwenya on 081 049 4128​

For comments please contact: Mr. Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to Deputy President Mashatile on 081 307 9233

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria