EIGHT traditional leaders in the Northern Cape will be able to serve their communities better after they received 4x4 vehicles from the Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta) yesterday.
They were also allowed to keep the vehicles that they were previously given to them by the department.
Coghsta MEC Bentley Vass said at the handover event yesterday that traditional leaders were a living reminder of “who we are”.
“These are essential tools of the trade that will assist them in making a better life for all. In fact, in recognition of the role they play, they can keep their old vehicles,” Vass said.
According to Vass, the total value of the new vehicles that were handed over yesterday is R3.6 million.
The eight traditional leaders are: Kgosi Toto (chairperson) of the Batlharo ba ga Motlhware, situated at Batlharos; Kgosi PS Bareki (deputy chairperson) of the Batlharo ba ga Bareki, situated at Heuningvlei; Kgosi BD Phetlhu of the Batlhaping ba ga Phetlhu, situated at Camden; Kgosi IS Dioka of the Batlharo ba ga Phadima, situated at Gamorona; Kgosi KE Jantjie of the Batlhaping ba ga Jantjie, situated at Manyeding; Kgosi KS Motshwarakgole of the Batlhaping ba ga Motshwarakgole, situated at Dithakong; Kgosi BV Mahura of the Batlhaping ba ga Mahura, situated at Deerward; and Kgosi GE Thanganyane of the Batlhaping ba ga Thaganyane, situated at Cassel.
Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul echoed Vass’ statement that the vehicles are essential tools of the trade. “This handover is to ensure that our esteemed traditional leaders have access to their subjects,” Saul said.
Saul went on to point out that vehicles would be particularly important in the vast John Taolo Gaetsewe region is. “One of the biggest challenges we are facing there is bad roads and the region is vast. Villages are far from each other. So it is our responsibility to empower the traditional leaders to execute their tasks.”
He added that just as municipalities were at the coal face of service delivery, so were the traditional leaders.
“Service delivery is not the business of the provincial government alone. People are expecting their traditional leaders to contribute to ensuring we improve their quality of life.”
Saul pledged the support of the Northern Cape government to the traditional leaders. “We are going to give the necessary support to ensure traditional leaders fulfil their traditional roles in their communities.”