MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in Mpumalanga, Mr Mandla Msibi convened a virtual meeting with the National Chairperson of the House of Traditional Leaders, Inkhosi Sipho Mahlangu, the Provincial Chairperson of the House, Inkhosi Sandile Ngomane and members of the Executive and the Provincial Chairperson of SALGA, Cllr Muzi Chirwa. The meeting discussed the prevalent cases of land invasion and the scourge of gender based violence.
In terms of Local Government legislation Municipalities are bound to consult traditional leaders on land development matters. “Section 24 of the Municipal Systems Act states that municipalities must consult traditional leaders when developing IDPs and are further enjoined by Section 81 (3) of the Municpal Structures Act, to ensure that matters concerning communities in traditional leadership are considered. The Provincial Department of COGTA, working closely with SALGA will promote that Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are entered into between traditional leaders and Municipal Councils in ensuring that these measures are implemented,” Mr Msibi said.
He added that the Provincial COGTA will be engaging traditional leaders, headmen and Councillors on the scourge of land invasion and gender based violence. “The meeting strongly discouraged the practice of bogus headmen who illegally allocate landsites without following proper processes. We are in unison with traditional leaders in condemning in the strongest possible terms those who violate land management legislation. We also condemn the ugly incidents of gender based violence in our society. We must work together to fight gender based violence towards women and children. We have resolved to identify the culprits for them to be dealt with in accordance with the armbit of the law,” Mr Msibi warned.
He says COGTA will be providing support to all Municipalities by providing radio slots to enable Executive Mayors and key political office beares to speak out against genderbased violence as well as the crippling acts of land invasion in the communities and municipalities.
He says traditional leaders will be working with Municipalities to explore the possibilities for the extension of the current cemeteries and identification of land for new graveyards.
Ends.
Issued by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
Contact Person: Mr George Mthethwa
Contact number: 083 302 2774 / 013 766 6572