Cabinet yesterday approved in principle the White Paper on Traditional Leadership and Governance, which defines the role and place of the institution and seeks to restore its integrity and legitimacy.

Briefing the media after Cabinet's fortnightly meeting at Parliament, government communication (GCIS) head Joel Netshitenzhe said some minor amendments had been proposed, but the paper was expected to be finalised within days.

Based on the principles of the Constitution, the White Paper also committed a number of government departments to allocate some functions to the institution of traditional leadership.

Also approved was national framework legislation on traditional leadership and governance, which would be published for public comment.

Netshitenzhe said the Minister of Provincial and local government, Sydney Mufamadi, would brief the public on these matters as soon as changes requested by Cabinet had been effected.

A statement released later said Cabinet had also discussed the issue of the celebration of "Ten Years of Freedom" on April 27, 2004.

An Inter-Ministerial Task Team had been set up, consisting of the minister in the presidency (chairperson), home affairs, education, arts, culture, science and technology, defence, environmental affairs and tourism, finance, safety and security, foreign affairs, health, provincial and local government, public works, intelligence, and public service and administration.

Also on the team were the deputy ministers of arts, culture, science and technology, safety and security, foreign affairs, provincial and local government, finance and home affairs, and the directors-general from these departments.

In the coming weeks, the team would consult other spheres of government and structures of civil society to ensure a well-coordinated campaign, which reinforces national unity, the statement said. – Sapa.