Traditional leaders will not have powers equal to those of democratically elected lawmakers, according to a draft white paper on the role of amakhosi (chiefs), released in Pretoria on Tuesday.
Where the constitution allocated a function to a sphere of government, that sphere could not share responsibility for governance with traditional leaders, it says.
Releasing the draft policy document for public input, Provincial and Local Government Minister Sydney Mufamadi said: ”The document is not the final policy position of government on this matter.
”It was adopted by the cabinet last week and is being released to give interested parties and the public the final opportunity to impact on the thinking of government.”
He said the public had until the end of November to read the document and make recommendations.
”Before the end of next month, after having collated views expressed by everyone, the government would have a final document that will be adopted by cabinet.
”This process will put us in a position to make sure that we come up with national framework legislation, which will be introduced in Parliament in February next year.”
The minister said Parliament would pass legislation by the end of March 2003. Provinces would be able to pass province-specific legislation by June. The 65-page draft policy document would be available in all official languages, he said.
Mufamadi said a national task team would be established to facilitate consultation around the draft white paper. At the same time a committee would be formed to look into draft legislation.
”This is to ensure the government does not lose time between the finalisation of the white paper and the drafting of legislation,” the minister said.
Mufamadi said he met senior representatives of traditional leaders on Tuesday morning and explained to them the process which will be followed to ensure people in the rural areas gain access of the draft white paper. – Sapa