The MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements, and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA) in Mpumalanga, Mr. Speed Mashilo, has announced that the massive elections to reconstitute Traditional Councils (TCs) will take place at the end of January 2025. Traditional Councils are established for a period of five years and consist of representatives from both Traditional Leadership and community members.
Mr. Mashilo stated that the reconstitution process represents a significant advancement in the role of TCs in community development, highlighting that the elections are vital for allowing community members to elect representatives who will advocate for their interests. He added that the TCs will be composed of 40% community members elected into the structures, while 60% will be appointees of Traditional Leadership. “This dual approach ensures effective representation of both community
support and traditional authority, fostering a balanced and robust governance framework,” he explained.
The elections will be held in all areas under the jurisdiction of traditional leadership across the three districts of Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande, and Nkangala. “A transparent electoral system will be facilitated by an independent body appointed by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA). We urge all communities to participate in the elections by electing individuals with the credentials to serve in the TCs and work cooperatively with Traditional Leadership. This will
entrench effective leadership and governance to address the diverse needs and aspirations of their constituents,” he elaborated.
As part of the preparations for the election and reconstitution process, voter registration will take place from Monday, January 20, to Friday, January 24, 2025, at all Traditional Council offices. The voting stations will be open from 07:00 to 19:00, providing ample time for community members to cast their votes.
All community members aged 18 and above are eligible to register to vote. Residents should bring their barcoded identity document or temporary identity certificate to facilitate the registration process. Additionally, the department will conduct workshops and public consultations aimed at educating citizens about the role of TCs and encouraging broad community participation in the electoral process.
The functions of Traditional Councils are explicitly outlined under Section 20 of the Traditional and Khoisan Leadership Act of 2019. These councils are chaired by the Senior Traditional Leader of each traditional community and are responsible for overseeing the affairs of their communities in accordance with customs and traditions. They assist, support, and guide traditional and Khoi-San leaders in performing their functions while also collaborating with municipalities to identify community needs. Furthermore, they facilitate the involvement of the traditional or Khoi-San community in developing or amending the integrated development plan of the relevant municipality. After consulting with the appropriate local and provincial houses, they make recommendations to the government regarding interventions that will enhance development and service delivery within their area of jurisdiction or the municipal area where the administrative seat of the Traditional Council is situated.
According to Mr. Mashilo, transparency, accountability, and inclusivity will be vital components of the process to maintain the integrity of the TCs. “We believe that TCs promote development, thus improving the lives of the people. We urge all community members to take this process seriously and participate on the day of the elections,” he emphasized.
Date for the elections are as follows:
Gert Sibande District: 31 January 2025
Nkangala District: 03 February 2025
Ehlanzeni District: 04 February 2025
Venues for elections are the Offices of all Traditional Leadership.
ENDS.
Issued by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs,
Contact Person: Ms Lindiwe Msibi
Contact Numbers: 013 766 6347/ 0614810135
E-mail: lkhoza@mpg.gov.za
Facebook: @mpucogta X @cogtamp