Central SA
North West government tighten relations with traditional leaders─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 12:00 Wed, 26 Apr 2023
The North West government has continued to tighten relations with traditional leaders as part of improving services within the province.
Premier, Bushy Maape, recently held a meeting with chiefs and councillors of the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality in Vryburg to discuss some of the challenges which they are faced with. Some of the challenges which were raised during discussions with Maape, include offices that are not in a good condition, stipends, and relations which are poor between the Naledi Local Municipality and traditional leaders.
“I had a meeting with the traditional leaders talking about how we can collaborate and cooperate to address community issues. It was a good meeting, they have indicated issues they regard as challenges that we have to address. We took note and we also informed them that the minister will be here on 3 May to listen to their issues and challenges,” explained Maape.
Acting Public Protector, Adv. Kholeka Gcaleka, previously indicated how a systemic breakdown between traditional leaders and local government in the Free State, North West, and the Northern Cape has led to poor service delivery at the grassroots level in one of her damning reports. Gcaleka said that the lack of engagement between the Mangaung Metro Municipality and the Barolong Boo Seleka Traditional Council is a great cause of concern.
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During the discussions with Maape, the traditional leader of Batlhaping Ba-Ga-Phuduhucwana, Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane, raised serious concerns over the lack of water and poor roads in their area. Maape explained that the issue has been attended to as the water project in the area is almost complete.
“I visited the water augmentation plant in Taung and they said they are 98% complete and they provide water, with other areas like Chokonyane which are not receiving water now and they bring some water here. At the moment, the majority of areas do get water. We are looking at the pipeline from Bloemhof to Schweizer-Reneke, and the district has just signed a contract with service providers for the Bona water project,” he concluded.
