Western Mpondoland King Ndamase Ndamase is the inaugural deputy chair of the newly established national Forum for SA’s Majesties which met deputy president Paul Mashatile and co-operative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) minister Velenkosini Hlabisa at the weekend.
The SA kings established the forum at a three-day gathering which started on Friday to engage on issues affecting their kingdoms, royalty and traditional leadership in the country.
In a statement released by national Cogta spokesperson Legadimo Leso, the government committed to a renewed partnership built on mutual respect, trust and co-operation.
Hlabisa emphasised that Cogta recognised traditional leaders’ invaluable contributions to SA’s development and their importance in promoting cultural heritage, social cohesion and community development.
Leso said Hlabisa was committed to strengthening the institution of traditional leadership, enhancing the kings’ participation in governance, supporting the development of rural communities and traditional areas, and promoting cultural heritage and social cohesion.
“The engagement definitely marked the beginning of a new era of collaboration,” he said.
At the heart of the meeting was a commitment to reaffirm the role of traditional leaders as custodians of culture and traditions.
“Our country cannot move forward without the input and wisdom of the timeless institution of traditional leadership led by the kings, queens and principal traditional leaders,” Leso said.
“This structure is important to ensure seamless interface, engagement and co-ordination on key issues.
“This development is a game-changer in the advancement of the sector for the benefit of communities, especially those who reside in traditional and rural areas.”
Ngwenyama Makhosoke Mabhena II of AmaNdebele and King Ndamase Ndamase of AmaMpondo aseNyandeni (Western Mpondoland) were unanimously elected as chair and deputy chair of the Forum for SA’s Majesties, respectively.
The primary functions of the newly established forum will include:
• Engaging with government and stakeholders on policies and programmes affecting traditional communities;
• Discussing matters related to the customary practices of traditional communities; and
• Addressing concerns raised by kings, queens and principal traditional leaders.
In pursuit of parity and standardisation towards restoring the dignity of the institution of traditional leadership, some of the action plan points announced by the minister include:
• Establishing a forum for SA’s queens;
• Collating and analysing the provincial status report on the support accorded to kings for benchmarking towards parity and standardisation;
• Finalising of the Handbook for Traditional Leaders;
• Finalising of customary laws of succession; and
• Capacity building for traditional leadership to give impetus to their role in developing communities.
The kings signed a pledge of commitment to the nation.
King Ndamase was happy that the forum was finally established.
“This is an initiative started by the late King Zwelonke [AmaXhosa King Mpendulo Zwelonke Sigcawu] and King Mabena,” he said.
“The establishment of the forum is long overdue.
“We will now be able to speak with one voice as a collective on matters affecting our kingdoms and be able to engage with government leaders directly.
“There are houses of traditional leaders, nationally and provincially, but these are not a platform for kings.”
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