Mabuza blames the apartheid era

Mabuza blames the apartheid era

By BRIAN KAJENGO

“As we all know, colonialism and apartheid destroyed this important governance system of our people and replace it with a system that undermined the rights and dignity of our Traditional Leaders,” said Mabuza.

Mazibuko Jara, Researcher Associate in UCT Law, in his presentation about ‘Traditional leadership in South Africa’: The Harold Wolpe Memorial… on February 2012’ summarised this statement better when he asserted that:

“Chiefs were used as collectors of colonial taxes or as mobilisers of labour for the mines. Boundaries fixed and determined by the interests of the State and limited secession became the primary form of accountability……

This appropriation distorted customary systems… The outcome of these distortions is that Traditional Leaders wco-opted by colonial and apartheid regimes through a process of conferring statutory powers on them.

People subjected to colonial and apartheid systems of statutory control through ‘relative sovereignty, particularly at local government level. These powers and statutory structures formed the building blocks of the homeland system.” 

This is part of the legacy that the Ruling Party inherited from the previous regime.

“I am talking of a legacy where the oversight role of the institution of Traditional Leadership was non-existent.

“Yes, I am talking of a situation where the institution of Traditional Leaders did not have a say in the delivery of services to their people or other socio-economic and development matters affecting communities under their leadership.” David Mabuza said.

Mabuza says when the African National Congress came into power, the issue of the institution of Traditional Leadership was elevated because we understood its role and importance to the African people, particularly in the transformation of society going forward.

“We also understood that that the ushering in of democracy did not suggest, in any way, that the institutions of Traditional Leadership replaced. Instead we viewed such an institution to be able to coexist peacefully with our new democratic dispensation.” Mabuza said.

It is in this context that we ensured that the new Constitution recognises the institution, status and role of Traditional Leadership.

“It will be a momentous day for all of us, as South Africans, because it marks an important milestone in our long journey of building a democratic society.”

Mabuza says as we speak today, Ehlanzeni, Nkangala and Gert Sibande have Local Houses of Traditional Leaders in place – structures that established early in 2008.

“Mpumalanga the first Province in the country to establish such Houses in the Districts – a move that changed the entire structure and system of the institution of Traditional Leadership.” Mabuza said.

Mabuza indicated that they were 57 Senior Traditional Leaders in Mpumalanga that properly recognised by the previous apartheid regime.

There are legitimate traditional leaders whose status removed by the previous regime due to their resistance to forceful removal from their land and their participation in the fight for freedom.

“Taking cue from national developments, on the 2^nd of September 2011, I appointment a Provincial Committee on Traditional Leadership Disputes and Claims to address the challenges of those affected Traditional Leaders.” He said.

Mabuza told the province enjoys a total of 61 Traditional Councils including the two Kings. We hope and trust that the Committee on Disputes and Claims will conclude its assignment soon so that this matter could be laid to rest.

“The government is also expected to provide adequate support to the institution, particularly in the area of capacity building and institutional efficiency.” Mabuza said.

Mabuza says the improving the conditions of Traditional Leaders and their subordinates.

“We are pleased to announce that the salaries of Headmen and Headwomen will be increased from R2 000 per month to R6 740 per month with immediate effect.” He said.

Mabuza says we are face-lifting the palaces of our two Kings. As we speak, the construction of the two palaces for our kings, King Makhosoke II and King Mabhoko III has already started.

Mabuza told house of traditional leaders that in the 2014/15 financial year we will be building four (4) new Traditional Councils offices.