Traditional leaders are key to the country’s development and should not be left in the dark on the government’s plans for rural development.
Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane said traditional leaders must participate in integrated development plans (IDP) to ensure their people’s needs were met.
“The provincial government is ready to support you in bringing education, healthcare, infrastructure and jobs to our rural areas,” Mabuyane said.
“The district development model brings government, traditional leadership and the people together to ensure no-one is left behind.
“Traditional leadership is critical to ensuring sustainable development in rural areas.”
He was addressing the amaBomvana nation on Saturday during the three-day national summit in Elliotdale to commemorate leader Gambushe aTshezi, chief of the amaBomvana, and the role they played in resisting colonialism.
“Traditional leaders must remain central in building a united and robust society as the government is counting on them to help communities grow and develop alongside the rest of our province.”
Mabuyane said stability in traditional leadership institutions was pivotal so that they could prevail on a democratic government.
“We must build strong partnerships between traditional leaders and local government,” he said.
Mabuyane said in celebrating amaBomvana’s strength, they must also recognise the critical role of women in communities.
“Our ancestors knew the value of women in leadership and we must continue supporting and uplifting women in our communities.
“Their voices, wisdom and strength are essential to our progress.”
“Today we not only celebrate our past, but also look forward to a future shaped by the wisdom of our ancestors.”
AmaXhosa King Ahlangene Vulikahaya Sigcawu, speaking at the second annual amaXhosa Kingdom Inkciyo Day, attended by about 1,000 girls and women aged between eight and 30, said it was important to motivate young girls to abstain from sex until they were married.
AmaNdungwana, one of the royal houses of the abaThembu nation whose kingship is now in the Dlomo royal house led by King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, held the Ibuyambo YamaNdungwana national conference at Banzi royal place in Cofimvaba from Friday to Sunday.
On Monday the provincial government and Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders held the King Hintsa Memorial Lecture at Dutywa.
This is the memory of amaXhosa King Hintsa ka Khawuta, who was killed by British troops on May 12 1835 and was beheaded.
On Tuesday the provincial Heritage Day celebrations will be held at the amaXhosa Great Place in Nqadu near Willowvale.
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