Deputy President Jacob Zuma handed over a traditional court, king’s chamber, community hall and other facilities to the people of Klipfontein, Mpumalanga, on Saturday.
The project is part of the government’s commitment to ”improve the status and position of traditional leaders in our country”, he said, in a speech prepared for delivery.
”This includes the provision of respectable and befitting infrastructure to allow them to play their role in the socio-economic development of their communities.”
The project, in the Nkangala District Municipality, is part of the government’s community-based public works programme.
Zuma congratulated all those who had contributed.
He said R5-million has been invested in the construction of the facilities, which will include administration offices and workshops.
The government views such developments as being in line with its rural development strategy, Zuma said.
The government has, over the course of the past 10 years, invested more than R2,5-billion in Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, Free State and North West through the community-based public works programme.
Zuma also said the government is committed to working with a cross-section of communities and sectors to develop the rural landscape and infrastructure.
”We remain committed to working with all South Africans to continue the efforts to develop our country and eradicate poverty.
”As we move ahead into the new year, let us work together in this spirit of positiveness, to rid our communities of social deviance and scourges such as violence against women and children and other crimes.”
The deputy president thanked King Makhosonke II and King Mayisha III for their participation and support of the projects.
Mpumalanga Premier Thabang Phathekge Makwetla and the mayor of the Nkangala District Municipality were present at the ceremony. — Sapa