Finalisation of the roles and powers of traditional leaders in South Africa appears to be in sight, according to Provincial and Local Government Minister Sydney Mufamadi.
Cabinet’s approval last week of the White Paper on Traditional Leadership and Governance ”brings us closer to completing the final chapter” on such roles and powers, Mufamadi said in a statement on Monday.
The final white paper followed extensive consultation before and after the draft was published in October last year, and all public submissions and reports from workshops held around the country were considered, he said.
The white paper, as adopted, represented the views of the people of South Africa, including traditional leaders, on the place and role of the institution in the new democracy.
”The ministry considers this a significant step towards strengthening our system of governance for service delivery and sustainable development, especially in rural areas,” Mufamadi said.
Cabinet also approved the draft Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Bill for publication, to enable the public to comment on it.
The bill flowed from the white paper, and set out norms and standards on various issues to guide legislation to be drafted by provinces.
It provided for the establishment of the Commission on Traditional Leadership, Disputes and Claims, which would help resolve disputes regarding the legitimacy or otherwise, of incumbent traditional leaders.
The ministry intended to ensure the bill was introduced at Parliament this year.
It had been submitted for publication and would be available next week, Mufamadi said.
The closing date for public comment is July 18.
The bill is obtainable on the department’swebsite