Picture: North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

17 December 2024- North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi handed over the second batch of 10 vehicles to senior traditional leaders in the Province. Molapisi said this will enable them to execute their statutory and customary duties in their traditional councils.

He further said his department is empowered by law to provide enabling resources to ensure that traditional leaders can effectively deliver on their responsibilities. Molapisi added that this initiative is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen traditional institutions and enhance their capacity to serve their communities.

“This initiative is important and is a symbol of respect, support and acknowledgment for our crucial role in governance and cultural preservation.

“We encourage the recipients to protect and maintain the vehicles, which are intended to aid in fulfilling their responsibilities more efficiently,” he said.

Molapisi said the symbolic handover of these vehicles is a testament to how much they value their traditional leadership. He said it is his belief that these vehicles will empower every deserving Kgosi, making their valued work easier.

“The vehicles are expected to improve the mobility and service delivery of traditional leaders, enabling them to connect more effectively with the communities they serve.

“As the vehicles were officially handed over, the atmosphere was one of appreciation and optimism, with leaders expressing their gratitude for the support and investment in their work,” he said.

The Chairperson of House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, Kgosi Thari Maotwe said, the government is doing all in its power to recognize the unique role of traditional leadership in preserving heritage, resolving community disputes, fostering unity and assisting government in achieving their developmental goals in traditional communities.

“This initiative demonstrates the province’s commitment to empowering us as traditional leaders, ensuring that we have the resources necessary to carry out our duties.

“It also highlights the critical importance of the partnership between traditional leadership and the provincial government in driving development and improving the lives of the people” said Maotwe.

Amongst those who were handed the vehicles, was Kgosi Sekgopisi Nawa of Baphuting Ba Ga Nawa, who expressed excitement over this.

“I am very excited. I am happy that at the end the government is fulfilling its promise of supporting traditional leaders by providing resources that we need. We really appreciate this support which will make a difference in our communities,” said Nawa.

Meanwhile, the batch of 10 vehicles handed over, was the second batch after the first batch of 17 was handed earlier this year, since the pronouncement of this initiative during the 2023 CoGTA Budget Speech.

The remaining senior traditional leaders will be assisted in the MTEF period.

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