Date: 18/03/2005
Source: Limpopo Provincial Government
Title: Moloto: Opening ceremony of Limpopo House of Traditional Leaders
Speech by the Premier of Limpopo Sello Moloto during the Opening ceremony of Limpopo House of Traditional Leaders, Thulamela, Vhembe District,Thohoyandou Legislative Chambers
Chairperson of House;
Honourable members of the House of Traditional Leaders;
Esteemed Queens and Kings, here present;
Esteemed Traditional Leaders of our Province, Magoshi, Tihosi, Mahosi
Executive Mayors and Mayors of Municipalities;
MP’s and MPLs;
Honourable Councillors;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Our institution of Traditional Leadership continues to enjoy an indispensable place in our democratic system of governance. The legislative framework that is now firmly in place has clearly enunciated the purpose and role of this institution in our society. We can now say that there is an unparalleled certainty in the future existence and recognition of this institution. As always, our Government will continue to rely on your wise counsel on matters of traditional leadership, custom, heritage and language as you are the rightful custodians of these values. It is with deep sense of pride and fulfilment that today we find ourselves taking part in your august proceedings.
Chairperson
As you will know, Traditional Authority is, in fact, the bedrock of democracy in southern Africa. It is a tried and trusted system that existed for centuries before the colonisation of our continent. Heroic early leaders such as Sekhukhune, Makhado and Nghunghunyane fought valiantly against the colonialist attempts to subjugate them, occupy their land and eradicate their system of government and authority.
The African National Congress was the first amongst political parties in our country to address the question of traditional leadership. Its first constitution adopted in 1909, provided for a forum within Congress known as the Upper House of Chiefs. Matters, which, affected areas under the jurisdiction of Traditional Leaders and were of their interest were constitutionally referred to Traditional Leaders as an organised body in the Upper House. This attitude of the ANC created a framework, which allowed Traditional Leaders to look at local problems and address them from the point of view of the national agenda, which sought to advance the interests of the African majority against the oppressor.
It is this kind of attitude towards the institution of traditional leadership which explains the reason why forbearers of the African National Congress were themselves highly respected Traditional Leaders. They understood that the practices of customary law and tradition could only flourish under conditions of freedom and democracy. During this period many Traditional Leaders, like those who came before them, fiercely resisted every attempt by colonialists to take over their land and subject their people to discriminatory policies. In this regard we count distinguished Traditional Leaders and revolutionaries of the people who led and participated in activities of the ANC and/or SACP like King Sabata Dalindyebo, Chief Albert Luthuli, Chief Phiriphiri Rasimphi Tshivhase and many others. Their active involvement in the structures of the liberation movement showed that there is no inherent contradiction between the institution of Traditional Leadership and the pursuit of the national democratic revolution, which is aimed at meeting the basic interests of our people.
Chairperson
It is for this reason that we take this opportunity to congratulate those of our Traditional Leaders in our province who are actively participating in the governance of their Municipal areas, either as elected public representatives or as Traditional Leaders of the people. We see so many opportunities for close co-operation between elected local structures and the institution of Traditional Leadership in our Province. These opportunities can be multiplied if Traditional Leaders can continue to support and participate in these Municipalities in their ex-officio capacities.
The forthcoming Local Government elections offer us yet another opportunity and platform to renew and consolidate governance at local level. It is through these elections that our people would once more express their choice for Local Government leadership. Like we have done in the past, let us go out and mobilise our subjects to actively take part in these elections.
Chairperson
As we all know, our rural areas are home to more than 70% of our Province’s poverty stricken people. Our conception of Local Government is that of an engine which powers the process of development. Government has stated its view that the bulk of responsibility for the delivery of services must reside at the level of Local government because it is this sphere of government, which is closest to our communities.
In line with this vision, we are happy that the majority of our Municipalities have succeeded in establishing Ward Committees. There is a need for us to strengthen these structures in order to bridge the gap between government planning programmes implementation on the one hand, and community involvement on the other hand. The daunting task of provision of free basic services can only be completed through partnerships and cooperation with all stakeholders including Traditional Leaders. We believe these partnerships will immensely contribute towards improving the credibility and integrity of our planning processes, i.e. Integrated Development Plans and Local Economic Development Projects
To this end the Department of Provincial and Local Government is intending to hold a National Conference on Ward Committees this year. It is hoped that the conference will generate ideas that will further help Ward Committees enhance their functional capabilities.
We also trust that the nationally led Project Consolidate will assist us in making our Municipalities equal the task of service delivery imperatives, particularly in the area of project planning and implementation, financial management and revenue generation.
Furthermore, Government appreciates the significant milestones reached on the appointment and remuneration of Headmen. Like we said during our State of the Province Address, this matter has always been receiving our utmost attention. We are happy to announce that Government has completed the process of the appointment of the remaining number of Headmen as earlier promised. Whilst Government has done its best in appointing those deserving Headmen who were brought to our attention, we have also been inundated with concerns of some Headmen who are contesting their status hence they have not been appointment. Once again we say that they should forward their disputes to the Nhlapo Commission that has been created to look into these matters.
Chairperson
Government is constantly receiving varying requests centred on the status of some Traditional Leaders in the Province. We have noted concerns about the disputed ranks and levels of chieftaincy amongst Traditional leaders in Vhembe District and believe the House should deliberate and advise us on the matter. We have also been inundated with requests to appoint Acting Traditional Leaders in some areas in the Province, and the challenge which we are experiencing is that there are no standard norms on how this issue should be handled. We note the fact that there is diversity in terms of customs and practices in various traditional authorities and are of the view that this House should advise us on how best we could handle this issue. We have always been experiencing problems around the issue of Acting Traditional Leaders who are appointed in their capacity as regents or acting on behalf of an incumbent who is still alive but engaged elsewhere.
Chairperson
The other matter we believe should be given serious attention, is the matter of Traditional Initiation and Circumcision schools. We laud your initiatives in holding a Conference on Initiation and Circumcision Schools that went on so successfully. We believe the resolutions you took will go a long way in dealing with the challenges which we have always been encountering related to this practice. Once again, let us remind you that we shall constantly bank on your cooperation and support in ensuring that these schools continue to maintain their customary significance and integrity.
Chairperson
We commit ourselves to ensuring that the next financial year sees the intensive implementation of the national legislation governing Traditional Leadership Institution. The Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act No 41 of 2003 will be coming into effect by the 22nd of September 2005. Government has already initiated a process of developing pieces of Provincial legislations dealing with implications and specifics of the implementation of the aforementioned Act at a provincial level. We will continue to pay attention to the resolution of the problem of staff in Traditional Authorities. Similarly, we shall hasten the training of both Traditional Leaders and personnel supporting them, with the view to enhance service delivery capacity in our Traditional Councils offices.
Guided by the Act, the next financial year shall also see the restructuring of Traditional Authorities into more representative and inclusive Traditional Councils that will also incorporate members of the community. The implementation of National legislation and the fast-racking of Limpopo Houses of Traditional Leadership Bill, 2004, shall also see the inauguration of Local Houses of Traditional Leaders in each of our six Districts before the end of this coming financial year. These Local Houses shall assume the same function as the Provincial House except that their jurisdiction shall be confined to respective Districts.
Furthermore, Government is also committed to the continued refurbishment of Traditional Authority’s offices and their equipping with relevant IT facilities so that these offices are also utilised as Multi-Purpose Community Centres where members of the community can access multiplicity of services such as ID application and/or collection, payment of water, electricity and other municipal services etc. We believe this approach will go a long way in realising our commitment of bringing Government closer to the people.
Chairperson
The establishment of the Commission on Traditional Leadership Disputes and Claims opens yet another window of opportunity for the institution of Traditional Leadership to continue with its journey of refinement. Once again we encourage all those with disputes and claims to approach the Nhlapo Commission for prompt resolution.
Government would like to urge Traditional Authorities and their leadership to refrain from approaching modern courts of law in the resolution of their disputes. As we all know, with due respect, our modern courts of law derive their principles and procedures from the Roman Dutch law which has got very little regard and knowledge of African customary law governing our traditional leadership. You will also be aware that the courts of our land rely mostly on principles of procedural fairness than substantive issues when taking a decision, which makes them not suitable enough for adjudicating matters of tradition and culture.
After all, as the old Pedi adage says: “Bokgoshi ke bja Bakgoma le Bakgomana”. Ga di palela ba moshate, di feng sechaba, ka gore Kgoshi ke kgoshi ka sechaba”
In Tshivenda we say; “Vhuhosi ndi ha vhuhosini, tswinga dza bala dzi vhigwa thavhani, Khosi ndi Khosi nga vhathu.
Ndaa!
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Limpopo Provincial Government
18 March 2005
Source: Limpopo Provincial Government
Title: Moloto: Opening ceremony of Limpopo House of Traditional Leaders
Speech by the Premier of Limpopo Sello Moloto during the Opening ceremony of Limpopo House of Traditional Leaders, Thulamela, Vhembe District,Thohoyandou Legislative Chambers
Chairperson of House;
Honourable members of the House of Traditional Leaders;
Esteemed Queens and Kings, here present;
Esteemed Traditional Leaders of our Province, Magoshi, Tihosi, Mahosi
Executive Mayors and Mayors of Municipalities;
MP’s and MPLs;
Honourable Councillors;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Our institution of Traditional Leadership continues to enjoy an indispensable place in our democratic system of governance. The legislative framework that is now firmly in place has clearly enunciated the purpose and role of this institution in our society. We can now say that there is an unparalleled certainty in the future existence and recognition of this institution. As always, our Government will continue to rely on your wise counsel on matters of traditional leadership, custom, heritage and language as you are the rightful custodians of these values. It is with deep sense of pride and fulfilment that today we find ourselves taking part in your august proceedings.
Chairperson
As you will know, Traditional Authority is, in fact, the bedrock of democracy in southern Africa. It is a tried and trusted system that existed for centuries before the colonisation of our continent. Heroic early leaders such as Sekhukhune, Makhado and Nghunghunyane fought valiantly against the colonialist attempts to subjugate them, occupy their land and eradicate their system of government and authority.
The African National Congress was the first amongst political parties in our country to address the question of traditional leadership. Its first constitution adopted in 1909, provided for a forum within Congress known as the Upper House of Chiefs. Matters, which, affected areas under the jurisdiction of Traditional Leaders and were of their interest were constitutionally referred to Traditional Leaders as an organised body in the Upper House. This attitude of the ANC created a framework, which allowed Traditional Leaders to look at local problems and address them from the point of view of the national agenda, which sought to advance the interests of the African majority against the oppressor.
It is this kind of attitude towards the institution of traditional leadership which explains the reason why forbearers of the African National Congress were themselves highly respected Traditional Leaders. They understood that the practices of customary law and tradition could only flourish under conditions of freedom and democracy. During this period many Traditional Leaders, like those who came before them, fiercely resisted every attempt by colonialists to take over their land and subject their people to discriminatory policies. In this regard we count distinguished Traditional Leaders and revolutionaries of the people who led and participated in activities of the ANC and/or SACP like King Sabata Dalindyebo, Chief Albert Luthuli, Chief Phiriphiri Rasimphi Tshivhase and many others. Their active involvement in the structures of the liberation movement showed that there is no inherent contradiction between the institution of Traditional Leadership and the pursuit of the national democratic revolution, which is aimed at meeting the basic interests of our people.
Chairperson
It is for this reason that we take this opportunity to congratulate those of our Traditional Leaders in our province who are actively participating in the governance of their Municipal areas, either as elected public representatives or as Traditional Leaders of the people. We see so many opportunities for close co-operation between elected local structures and the institution of Traditional Leadership in our Province. These opportunities can be multiplied if Traditional Leaders can continue to support and participate in these Municipalities in their ex-officio capacities.
The forthcoming Local Government elections offer us yet another opportunity and platform to renew and consolidate governance at local level. It is through these elections that our people would once more express their choice for Local Government leadership. Like we have done in the past, let us go out and mobilise our subjects to actively take part in these elections.
Chairperson
As we all know, our rural areas are home to more than 70% of our Province’s poverty stricken people. Our conception of Local Government is that of an engine which powers the process of development. Government has stated its view that the bulk of responsibility for the delivery of services must reside at the level of Local government because it is this sphere of government, which is closest to our communities.
In line with this vision, we are happy that the majority of our Municipalities have succeeded in establishing Ward Committees. There is a need for us to strengthen these structures in order to bridge the gap between government planning programmes implementation on the one hand, and community involvement on the other hand. The daunting task of provision of free basic services can only be completed through partnerships and cooperation with all stakeholders including Traditional Leaders. We believe these partnerships will immensely contribute towards improving the credibility and integrity of our planning processes, i.e. Integrated Development Plans and Local Economic Development Projects
To this end the Department of Provincial and Local Government is intending to hold a National Conference on Ward Committees this year. It is hoped that the conference will generate ideas that will further help Ward Committees enhance their functional capabilities.
We also trust that the nationally led Project Consolidate will assist us in making our Municipalities equal the task of service delivery imperatives, particularly in the area of project planning and implementation, financial management and revenue generation.
Furthermore, Government appreciates the significant milestones reached on the appointment and remuneration of Headmen. Like we said during our State of the Province Address, this matter has always been receiving our utmost attention. We are happy to announce that Government has completed the process of the appointment of the remaining number of Headmen as earlier promised. Whilst Government has done its best in appointing those deserving Headmen who were brought to our attention, we have also been inundated with concerns of some Headmen who are contesting their status hence they have not been appointment. Once again we say that they should forward their disputes to the Nhlapo Commission that has been created to look into these matters.
Chairperson
Government is constantly receiving varying requests centred on the status of some Traditional Leaders in the Province. We have noted concerns about the disputed ranks and levels of chieftaincy amongst Traditional leaders in Vhembe District and believe the House should deliberate and advise us on the matter. We have also been inundated with requests to appoint Acting Traditional Leaders in some areas in the Province, and the challenge which we are experiencing is that there are no standard norms on how this issue should be handled. We note the fact that there is diversity in terms of customs and practices in various traditional authorities and are of the view that this House should advise us on how best we could handle this issue. We have always been experiencing problems around the issue of Acting Traditional Leaders who are appointed in their capacity as regents or acting on behalf of an incumbent who is still alive but engaged elsewhere.
Chairperson
The other matter we believe should be given serious attention, is the matter of Traditional Initiation and Circumcision schools. We laud your initiatives in holding a Conference on Initiation and Circumcision Schools that went on so successfully. We believe the resolutions you took will go a long way in dealing with the challenges which we have always been encountering related to this practice. Once again, let us remind you that we shall constantly bank on your cooperation and support in ensuring that these schools continue to maintain their customary significance and integrity.
Chairperson
We commit ourselves to ensuring that the next financial year sees the intensive implementation of the national legislation governing Traditional Leadership Institution. The Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act No 41 of 2003 will be coming into effect by the 22nd of September 2005. Government has already initiated a process of developing pieces of Provincial legislations dealing with implications and specifics of the implementation of the aforementioned Act at a provincial level. We will continue to pay attention to the resolution of the problem of staff in Traditional Authorities. Similarly, we shall hasten the training of both Traditional Leaders and personnel supporting them, with the view to enhance service delivery capacity in our Traditional Councils offices.
Guided by the Act, the next financial year shall also see the restructuring of Traditional Authorities into more representative and inclusive Traditional Councils that will also incorporate members of the community. The implementation of National legislation and the fast-racking of Limpopo Houses of Traditional Leadership Bill, 2004, shall also see the inauguration of Local Houses of Traditional Leaders in each of our six Districts before the end of this coming financial year. These Local Houses shall assume the same function as the Provincial House except that their jurisdiction shall be confined to respective Districts.
Furthermore, Government is also committed to the continued refurbishment of Traditional Authority’s offices and their equipping with relevant IT facilities so that these offices are also utilised as Multi-Purpose Community Centres where members of the community can access multiplicity of services such as ID application and/or collection, payment of water, electricity and other municipal services etc. We believe this approach will go a long way in realising our commitment of bringing Government closer to the people.
Chairperson
The establishment of the Commission on Traditional Leadership Disputes and Claims opens yet another window of opportunity for the institution of Traditional Leadership to continue with its journey of refinement. Once again we encourage all those with disputes and claims to approach the Nhlapo Commission for prompt resolution.
Government would like to urge Traditional Authorities and their leadership to refrain from approaching modern courts of law in the resolution of their disputes. As we all know, with due respect, our modern courts of law derive their principles and procedures from the Roman Dutch law which has got very little regard and knowledge of African customary law governing our traditional leadership. You will also be aware that the courts of our land rely mostly on principles of procedural fairness than substantive issues when taking a decision, which makes them not suitable enough for adjudicating matters of tradition and culture.
After all, as the old Pedi adage says: “Bokgoshi ke bja Bakgoma le Bakgomana”. Ga di palela ba moshate, di feng sechaba, ka gore Kgoshi ke kgoshi ka sechaba”
In Tshivenda we say; “Vhuhosi ndi ha vhuhosini, tswinga dza bala dzi vhigwa thavhani, Khosi ndi Khosi nga vhathu.
Ndaa!
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Limpopo Provincial Government
18 March 2005
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