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The Executive Committee of Mpumalanga House of Traditional Leaders (HTL) has held meetings with Headmen/Women from all Traditional Authorities in the three districts of the province.

In these meetings the Executive Committee deliberated on the conduct of Headmen/Women in their respective Traditional Authorities. Headmen/Women were urged to realise that that they are leaders in their communities and have to lead in a responsible manner in support of their Chiefs. The House of Traditional Leaders will continuously train Headmen/Women on their roles and responsibilities. Whenever there are problems amongst them and their Chiefs they were advised to engage constructively to resolve those problems.

In addressing the continuous acts of land invasion the Executive Committee condemned these acts in strongest possible terms. There were cases where it was alleged that some Headmen/Women were involved in selling and allocating land without the knowledge of their Chiefs and without following correct procedures. The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) has pledged to support Traditional Leaders to ensure that those who are involved in these illegal acts are brought to book.

The Executive Committee also briefed Headmen/Women about developments in addressing concerns with regard to stipend paid to them. The House of Traditional Leaders acknowledged that stipend currently paid to them is too little compared to their important roles in Traditional Authorities. The Executive Committee has raised the matter with the Honourable Premier, Mr David Mabuza and Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC, Mr Madala Masuku. COGTA and TTL are currently doing an audit and verification of all headmen in the province. They will also be looking into reviewing the stipend.

In response the Headmen/Women appreciated the initiatives by the HTL to address their plight. They also pledged their unwavering support to the Chiefs and the HTL Executive Committee.