MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in Mpumalanga, Mr Mandla Msibi has appealed to the members of the Ebutsini Royal family to work together for the development of the community. Mr Msibi led a delegation of Senior officials of the Department, including the Acting Head, Mr Sam Ngubane in a meeting with members of the family to inform them about the recommendations of the Tolo Committee on Disputes and Resolution for Traditional Leadership. The Committee recommended Mr Richard Nkosi as the rightful heir to the throne after an extensive investigation into the Ebutsini chieftaincy dispute, to take over from Mr Teyani Philemon Nkosi.
Mr Msibi said unity was of paramount importance for peace within the Royal family and for the development of the community. “Today we have come to inform you about the recommendations of the Committee. We urge you to convene an urgent meeting as members of the Royal family to reach a consensus on the way forward and inform the Department in writing about your decision on this matter. The Department will be guided by your consensus and to process a certificate of recognition to be issued by the Premier,” Mr Msibi explained.
He told them that the decision to appoint a Senior Traditional leader is the privilege reserved for the inner royal family. He further appealed to them to desist from taking control of the offices of the Traditional Council based at Elukwatini until the matter is resolved amicably.
Mr Msibi said working for unity and development should be the focus of the next Senior Traditional Leader of the Traditional Council. “The Chieftaincy dispute has stalled development initiatives in areas within the jurisdiction of the Traditional Council. As we close this chapter of the dispute, moving forward the focus should be the delivery of services. The community looks up to you to assist in bringing the much needed basic services,” Mr Msibi explained.
Currently the Department is implementing the recommendations of the Tolo Committee and the Ebutsini matter is one of them.
Ends.
Issued by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Contact Person: Mr George Mthethwa
Contact details: 013 766 6572 / 083 302 2774
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