Issued by: Office of the President
The Office of the President finds it most regrettable that in a statement issued on Tuesday, 23 May 1995, the Minister of Home Affairs, Chief MG Buthelezi, deliberately misled the South African public by alleging that the President hand-picked a delegation of traditional leaders for a meeting that took place in Pretoria on Monday, 22 May 1995.
The President informed the Premier of the Province of KwaZulu/Natal about the meeting he was convening with traditional leaders from across the country. He also made his intention to liaise with the Premier on developments arising from the meeting known.
The Member of the Executive Council responsible for traditional affairs in KwaZulu/Natal has subsequently written a letter apologising to the President for failing to arrive at the Pretoria meeting. He has also asked that the President make himself available for a meeting with traditional leaders from KwaZulu/Natal for a continuation of the discussions that took place in Pretoria. The President is considering this request and will respond at the earliest opportunity.
Last week, the Cabinet considered the Remuneration of Traditional Leaders Bill. The meeting decided that the Bill be referred for further comment by Premiers and senior traditional leaders. The Office of the President considers it advisable and consistent with Cabinet convention, that a Minister always utilise the opportunity created by Cabinet debates to voice his concern about matters that are receiving the attention of Cabinet.
23 May 1995
P.S. The attached statements and letters are for distribution as well.
Enquiries: Parks Mankahlana 0825534569
Cabinet -14- 17 May 1995
6 MINISTER FOR PROVINCIAL AFFAIRS AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
6.1 THE REMUNERATION OF TRADITIONAL LEADERS BILL, 1995 (Cabinet memorandum 12 of 1995 dated 26 April 1995, file number 2/5/30, Department of Constitutional Development. See item 4.1 of the minutes of 3 May 1995)
The CABINET APPROVED that an amended version of the Remuneration of Traditional Leaders Bill, 1995, providing for appropriate reference to the Council of Traditional Leaders to be included in the Bill, be circulated for comment to premiers of provinces and senior traditional leaders.
KWAZULU-NATAL
MINISTER OF TRADITIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
PRIVATE BAG DURBAN
DATE 16.05.95
Dear Mr Minister
This office has received an urgent request from the State President's office to acquire the list of all the amakhosi in KwaZulu-Natal, their telephone and fax numbers and their postal addresses, as soon as possible. The State President wishes to send an invitation to all the amakhosi throughout South Africa.
We would appreciate your kind and urgent assistance in this regard since the deadline is 13h00 today.
We would appreciate your kind and urgent assistance in this regard since the deadline is 13h00 today.
Yours Faithfully
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
11 May 1995
Dr F Mdlalose
Premier of KwaZulu/Natal
Natalia Building
Long Market Street
Pietermaritzburg
3201
Dear Premier
The President intends having discussions on an informal and consultative basis with the major traditional leaders in the country, some of whom may be from your province, and has asked that you be informed of the fact that he will be holding these discussions.
The discussions are scheduled to take place in Pretoria on Monday 22 May 1995. The President will keep you informed about any relevant matters that may arise out of these consultations
Yours sincerely
G J GERWEL
DIRECTOR-GENERAL