Traditional Leadership Commission short-changed

THE COMMISSION of Inquiry to Investigate Traditional Leadership Disputes in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District of the Northern Cape has not been able to commence its work as it is still waiting for the necessary funds.

The chairperson of the commission, Professor Joseph Mandla Maseko, explained that the commission was established by Premier Zamani Saul in terms of a court order in July.

“The commission was given two years to complete its investigations, and we are falling behind schedule. For reasons beyond our control, the commission has not been able to commence its work. To mitigate the loss of public faith, the commission has written to the premier, highlighting the challenges,” he said.

He added that meetings scheduled this year with traditional leaders had to be cancelled, as a budget was required to cover travel and accommodation expenses.

“We are not even able to purchase stationery. Members cannot be expected to pay for their own costs. At the same time, we want to avoid being dragged to court for failing to fulfil our duties. The majority of members are attorneys and advocates who have to juggle the work of the commission with their court appearances. 

“We have not even been able to introduce ourselves to the community and explain how they can lodge complaints.”

Maseko said the commission was hopeful that the Office of the Premier could unblock internal processes to ensure that the commission received a budget.

“This will allow us to plan and execute our work without hindrance. The commission hopes to be launched in the near future in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, after it has introduced itself to the Houses of Traditional Leaders.”

Office of the Premier spokesperson Naledi Gaosekwe indicated that the provincial government was working around the clock to ensure that the commission was adequately funded.

“The process is in place to ensure that we acquire funding through Provincial Treasury funding processes. This has been communicated to the commission. The Office of the Premier will, in due course, meet with the commission to address the issues raised.

“The decision of the commission to address its concerns through the media is deeply regrettable and unfortunate. We implore the commission to exercise patience with this process.”

She added that the premier remained committed to ensuring that the work of the commission continued unhindered.

“The premier also wishes to assure the people of the John Taolo Gaetsewe District that the commission will receive the necessary support from the provincial government in an effort to conclude its work, in the best interests of the affected communities,” Gaosekwe said.