Issued by: North West Communication Service
The Premier of the North West Province, Mr Popo Molefe, met today in Mafikeng with the Traditional Leaders of Kudumane. The delegation of Traditional Leaders led by Kgosi K P Toto included the following traditional leaders:
Kgosi R M Motshwarakgole, Kgosi E W Leburu, Kgosi B V Mahura, Kgosi G M Thaganyane; Kgosi K E Janjie and Kgosi I S Dioka The meeting was convened by the Premier as part of the process of briefing and consultations on the process of the Shubane Commission and to hear the views of Traditional Leaders on a range of issues affecting the North West Province and in particular the Traditional areas resorting under Traditional Authorities.
Discussions were conducted in a very amicable atmosphere. The Premier assured the Traditional Leaders that the view of the African National Congress in the North West regarding the disputed boundaries was not binding on traditional leaders. Rather, it was one of the many submissions the Commission would listen to.
Traditional Leaders and various groups and political parties were also free to make their independent submissions to the Commission.
The Traditional Leaders expressed the desire for a referendum to be called to test the will of the people of Kudumane. This, notwithstanding there was a unanimous agreement that the integrity of the Khehla Shubane Commission was to be protected by all and a recognition of the independence of the Commission was reaffirmed.
The meeting called on all organisations, institutions and political parties as well as religious; cultural, civic and labour groups to continue making submissions to the Commission.
Furthermore, the meeting reaffirmed a commitment by all in particular the Traditional Leaders to continued cooperation with the Provincial Government and the ANC as the leading party. In this connection the Traditional Leaders requested that a series of workshops be held to discuss the policies of the Democratic Government, to assess two and half years of Government, to discuss the Government's growth, employment and redistribution strategy (Gear).
In addition, it was agreed that Premier Molefe and members of his Cabinet as well as officials of the ANC would address a series of Tribal meetings, regional and local leaders of the ANC as well as Local and District Councillors on the need for greater cooperation amongst various stakeholders and clarify further the process of the Khehla Shubane Commission.
The Premier thanked the Traditional Leaders and the people of Kudumane for the responsible manner in which they have handled the emotive issue of boundary disputes. He expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved amicably. The Premier called on the general public in Kudumane and in particular branches of the ANC and regional leaders to remain calm and continue to consolidate the stability that prevails in the region.
17 February 1997