The institution of traditional leadership occupies a unique and important place in South Africa as it is a critical player in reconstruction and development of the country, President Thabo Mbeki said on Thursday.
”The national Cabinet and I are inspired by the historic position taken by our traditional leaders to work together in harmony with our elected leaders to serve the people of South Africa,” Mbeki said.
He was speaking at the annual conference of traditional healers in Pretoria, which was attended by, among others, Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi and Provincial and Local Government minister Sydney Mufamadi.
Mbeki said all structures of elected government are committed to working together with traditional healers to examine the progress and challenges facing them.
The finalisation and publication of the White Paper on traditional leadership in government and the coming into operation of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Act will ensure that traditional leaders become active participants in the system of democratic governance.
National government has set up a task team to work on a national programme to support traditional leaders.
The programme will ensure that legislation governing the institution is correctly implemented.
Main focus areas of the programme will include allocation of necessary resources, skills development and the formulation of partnerships between municipalities and traditional councils. — Sapa