The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa convened a two-day high-level government engagement with the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL). Minister Hlabisa was joined by various Ministers, Deputy Ministers, the chairperson of the NHTKL, Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson the Forum of South Africa’s Majesty’s and other traditional leaders from across the provinces.

The robust and frank discussions promoted constructive dialogue on matters related to the institution traditional leadership and communities and were testament to the commitment by both governments and traditional leadership to finding solution to all issues of concern.

Various Ministers were invited to provide updates on their respective areas of responsibility and provided feedback on progress attained on issues raised. The following departments provided inputs and feedback: (1) Water and Sanitation; (2) Human Settlement; (3) Sports, Arts and Culture; (4) Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities; (5) Mineral and Petroleum Resources; (6) Rural Development and Land Reform.

The reports were followed by discussions which sought to engender mutual collaboration between government and traditional leaders to jointly address priority issues.
▪ Opening the engagement, Minister Hlabisa called for greater collaboration, cooperation and coordination amongst all stakeholders to ensure that this age-old
institution can thrive and also deliver on its mandate. Minister Hlabisa underscored government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with traditional and Khoi-San leaders, noting the important role they play in addressing rural challenges and improving service delivery.▪ The Chairperson of the NHTKL, Kgosi Thabo Seatlholo implored the meeting that all issues raised by traditional leaders should not go unattended.
▪ The Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga noted positive strides in securing and protecting the rights of the most vulnerable groups in society, whilst equally lamenting toxic masculinity calling on traditional leaders to assist in eradicating the scourge of GBVF.
▪ Minister Gwede Mantashe of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, urged traditional leaders to promote the establishment of cooperatives in their communities which can derive benefits from the natural endowments for inclusive rural development.
▪ The Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi presented the National Health Insurance (NHI) elaborating on gains that will accrue from a universal health access especially for the larger population.
▪ Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi of Human Settlements, reflected on various project on Human Settlements targeting low-income communities and those traditional leadership.
▪ The Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mr Mzwanele Nyhontso undertook to meet with traditional leaders and sought guidance on what they expect from the department citing Communal Property Association (CPA) and other proposed legislative amendments under the auspices of his portfolio.
▪ The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr David Mahlobo called on the institution of traditional leadership to take an active role in identifying and seizing
opportunities for development around water sources in their areas.

In relation to the escalating Foodborne Illnesses, Minister Hlabisa highlighted the urgent need to put a stop rising crisis of foodborne illnesses, which have impacted communities, particularly in rural areas.

He cited the tragic loss of young lives due to food poisoning and called for stronger collaboration between traditional leaders and government to ensure immediate and sustainable interventions.

This by-law is an important step toward creating thriving, safe township and village economies while protecting public health. Minister Hlabisa urged traditional leaders to collaborate, especially guided by the recent classification of foodborne illnesses as a national disaster.

Following discussions, Minister highlighted a way forward to enhance collaborative decisionmaking, cooperation, and coordination in the resolution of matters raised by traditional leaders, in particular the Minister indicated that CoGTA will on 29 November 2024 Gazzete a notice inviting public comments on the Traditional and Khoisan Leadership Bill (TKLA).

In conclusion, Minister Hlabisa appreciated the discussions and committed to further engagements with the institution of traditional leadership. Guided by the principles of cooperative governance, Minister Hlabisa committed to ongoing engagements with the institution of traditional leadership.

Ends –
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Mr. Legadima Leso
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+27 (66) 479 9904
Legadimal@cogta.gov.za