Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged traditional leaders to encourage eligible voters to participate in the May 29 elections, and ensure they are free and fair.

‘We will, as a nation, hold the seventh democratic National and Provincial Elections. In this context, traditional leaders should continue to encourage all eligible voters to participate in the elections,’ he said on Tuesday.

The Deputy President, as the Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team on matters of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders, delivered a keynote address during a dialogue convened by the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders in Pretoria.

‘We urge traditional leaders to promote free and fair elections and ensure that all voters exercise their democratic right – a right that was hard fought for and must never be taken for granted.’

He also took the time to urge rural leaders to work with the government to address the killings of traditional leaders.

‘As an institution located in rural areas, it is important th
at we collaborate to identify obstacles that are hampering community development, such as the killing of traditional leaders, especially in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

‘We encourage amakhosi and izinduna to continue working closely with the government to address this challenge effectively.’

The Deputy President condemned acts of violence and urged the community to serve as government’s eyes and ears by reporting those who conspire or have committed such crimes to the appropriate authorities.

‘Our law enforcement agencies are also working hard to hold those responsible to account.’

Land

The country’s second-in-command acknowledged the urgent need for the State to expedite its rural development efforts, particularly through the implementation of the InvestRural Master Plan.

The InvestRural initiative enables rural communities to unlock their potential and improve their livelihoods.

‘Investing in local economies and land ownership is still critical for rural communities’ development.’

He recognised th
at land tenure and administration are contentious issues and government will work hard to transfer land ownership to its legitimate owners and sustain rural communities.

‘Government has also undertaken to divest itself of the communal land it holds in trust for communities.’

The Deputy President assured leaders that government was prioritising land access for rural development and economic transformation.

‘We are finalising the Draft Communal Land Bill and Policy, with consultations underway to solicit input from various sectors, including traditional leaders.’

The documents, according to the Deputy President, will be processed through government structures and the Cabinet for public comments during the 2024/25 financial year.

‘We are confident that the Draft Communal Land Rights Bill will facilitate the transfer of government-held communal land to communities. It will also allow for communal land registration and dispute resolution mechanisms.’

He believes that it wais important to optimally utilise th
e land.

‘If we can till the land, the people can fight hunger and poverty through small-scale farming or agricultural start-ups.’

Social issues

During the meeting,Mashatile offered to work with leaders to tackle pressing issues such as substance abuse, crime, and gender-based violence.

‘GBVF has a negative impact on socio-economic conditions, particularly for women and girls. Therefore, ending this scourge is urgent and critical for our nation’s development.

‘You must never allow anyone to act violently and abusively against their partners in the name of culture. Together, we must stand firm and say no to all forms of abuse and violence.’

He also touched on the prevalence of HIV and AIDS and tuberculosis (TB), particularly among adolescent girls and young women.

‘As part of our prevention efforts, we must continue to communicate good and compelling messages to young people about delaying the commencement of sexual interactions as much as possible, and when they do begin, having sexually safe relationsh
ips and living healthy lifestyles.’

He also encouraged local Houses of traditional leaders to establish relationships with community organisations to fight the scourge of drugs.

The Deputy President also took the time to congratulate Kgosi Seatlholo, Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, on his recent election as Interim Chairperson of the Southern Africa Network of Traditional Leaders in Drug Demand Reduction.

‘The establishment of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San leaders serves as evidence of the government’s dedication to recognising and valuing the viewpoints and contributions of our traditional leaders.’

Source: South African Government News Agency