Free State Premier Ace Magashule said traditional leaders can assist in fighting crime in the province. He was addressing traditional leaders and the community at the opening of the Provincial House of Traditional Leaders in Thaba Nchu recently.
He said traditional leaders played a vital role in communities in helping people understand their culture and the role their ancestors had in the communities.
“Interacting and working with traditional leaders – they can play a role in fighting crime. They can play a role in initiation schools. They can play a role in inculcating the African culture and customs to the young generation,” he said.
Magashule added he believes these traditional leaders will be able to help in understanding the importance of languages as well as sharing a deeper understanding of the history of African culture. “This will teach generations to come to know how their forefathers and foremothers lived and also how we are supposed to live.” According to him, this will give guidance on how to build a nation and how to build future leaders.
Magashule also said traditional leaders can play a critical role in encouraging community members to vote. He strongly encouraged them to take part in the upcoming municipal election in August this year.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Free State House of Traditional Leaders, Ledika Moloi, said the Traditional House will bring financial relief to traditional leaders in the province as it will now be able to be used for practising purposes.
“This will enable us to have some sort of fund where we can run our offices smoothly and to pay for necessary expenses like the electricity,” said Moloi. He is also happy that Magashule mentioned that the provincial cabinet will attend the next meeting with traditional leaders to explain why the People’s Housing Process (PHP) has not been achieved.
However, he emphasised his hopes to see the premier’s executive committee during the next opening of the traditional leaders’ House so that they will be able to give feedback on any financial plans they have in store for traditional leaders.
Moloi was confident that now that traditional leaders were being recognised in the administration of the South African government, things will start to look up for traditional leaders across the country. – Lerato Sebe
leratos@centralmediagroup.co.za