R32 million allocated for royal palaces in Northern Cape

EIGHT royal palaces are set to be constructed for the newly elevated Principal Traditional Leaders, as recently announced by the Northern Cape Premier. These palaces will be located mainly in the John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) District, with each expected to cost R4 million.

The Traditional Affairs director at the provincial Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta), Peter Toto, said the palaces will be built during the 2027/28 financial year.

He stated that the sites include Heuningvlei village and Manyeding in the Joe Morolong municipal area, as well as Camden, Dithakong and Cassel villages near Kuruman, Heuwel in the Siyanda area, and Gamorona near Mothibistad.

Toto added that auxiliary social workers will also be appointed to serve five new traditional councils that will be constructed in the JTG District, at a cost of R3.5 million each.

“Social workers will tackle social ills within traditional communities and villages,” he said.

Commission of Inquiry

Meanwhile, a Commission of Inquiry has been launched by Premier Dr Zamani Saul to investigate traditional leadership disputes and claims arising in the JTG District.

The eight-member commission, led by Professor Mandla Maseko, will hold its first meeting on July 15 to finalise its programme of activities.

The MEC for Coghsta, Bentley Vass, expressed confidence that the commission would help resolve concerns and disputes affecting traditional communities, leaders, and stakeholders in the district.

“Traditional communities in the district, particularly those that are experiencing leadership tensions, must co-exist in harmony. The department will support the work of the commission, so that they reach their set objectives in the allocated time of two years,” he said.