Traditional leaders to continue playing a key role as community advocates in articulating needs and expressing grievances towards mobilising support for a fundamental cause in various communities.

 

Speaking during her opening of the provincial house of traditional leaders in Mahikeng on Thursday, Modise said the role of traditional leaders was the most significant feature of traditional communities.

 

“The task of building a democratic state requires that what is envisaged in the democratic dream is shared by all.

 

“The task of strengthening and consolidating democracy requires the participation of all leaders, including traditional leaders,” said the premier.

 

She called on traditional leaders to focus on the struggle against HIV and Aids.

 

“You have the respect and authority to influence people’s views and practises on all issues.

 

“We trust in the battle against HIV and Aids you will advocate for change in the most personal behaviours, such as sexuality.

 

“Let us mobilise the communities to take HIV and Aids tests so that they know their status.

 

“The sooner the better.

 

“Medical intervention could be timeous and more lives could be saved,” she said.

 

The premier further noted and spoke about the five year strategic plan incorporating government priorities aimed at nation building, rural development and preservation of indigenous heritage.

 

She asked the traditional leaders to work with relevant provincial departments, municipalities and the private sector to look into reviving cultural heritage.

 

“Traditional leaders must organise and participate in festivals that celebrate our traditional songs and dance. The importance of our songs lie in the fact that they contain a lot of history and stories dealing with values and morals,” said Modise.

 

She encouraged traditional leaders to participate in local initiatives aimed at monitoring, reviewing and evaluating government programmes in traditional communities.

 

“Over the past years there have being concerns about the illegal initiation schools that have been cropping up in the North West province.

 

Some of these even resulted in cases of deaths, abductions and botched circumcisions,” said provincial government spokesperson Lesiba Kgwele.

 

Expressing his support for the premier’s anti-rape million signature campaign, provincial chairperson for the house of traditional leaders, Prof Madoda Zibi said chiefs, as custodians of culture, values and traditions, pledged support to the premier’s leadership.

 

He committed that traditional leaders in the province will support any initiative meant for the development of communities by the provincial government.