Mabuza, as chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Task Team established to address the concerns of traditional leaders, is visiting Mahikeng in North West to engage with traditional and Khoisan leaders.

According to the statement issued by the Office of the Presidency, the meeting is a continuation of Mabuza’s provincial visits to resolve some of the challenges raised by the sector and ensure that traditional and Khoi-San leaders play their role in rural development, social cohesion and nation building.

These engagements are part of the government's efforts to join hands with traditional and Khoisan leaders to fight against poverty, inequality, unemployment diseases and illiteracy.

Mabuza will be joined by the North West Premier, Bushy Maape, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Mcebisi Skwatsha, the Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Obed Bapela, together with members of the Provincial Executive Council.

ALSO READ: Mabuza discusses land issue with traditional leaders in Free State

In his latest visit to the Free State, Mabuza had raised concerns over issues of land.  He said that most traditional leaders in the Free State do not have land and those who do, say it’s not enough to accommodate everyone.

ALSO READ: FS Cogta backs traditional leaders

Last year the then MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in the Free State, Thembeni Nxangisa, said traditional leaders play a vital role in building communities and should be afforded an opportunity to play a more active role in government programmes. This was during the opening of the House of Traditional Leaders in the Provincial Legislature.

ALSO READ: Municipal issues, traditional leadership a concern in Central SA

The acting Public Protector, Kholeka Gcaleka, also indicates how a systemic breakdown between traditional leadership and local government in the Free State, North West, and the Northern Cape has led to poor service delivery at grassroots level.

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