By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Deputy President David Mabuza says the government has full confidence in the abilities of traditional leaders and he look forward to collaborating with them to address the most pressing problems they’re facing.
Mabuza said throughout his engagements with the structures across the country he got to learn about their many challenges.
The country’s second in charge on Friday engaged traditional leaders at Mayville Conference Centre in Durban.
This comes after he paid a courtesy call on Isilo Samabandla, His Majesty King Misuzulu Ka Zwelithini on Thursday.
He told the newly crowned king that government’s intention for the visit and subsequent engagements with traditional leaders in the province forms part of an effort to combat problems facing their communities.
“We are here to listen to challenges that you might be facing as leaders of our society and, working together, to find lasting solutions to challenges confronting our communities.
“More importantly, it is to strengthen our social compact and collaborative efforts between government, civil society formations, interfaith, and traditional leaders to fight against poverty, inequality, unemployment, social ills, diseases, illiteracy and underdevelopment, among others,” said Mabuza.
The meeting was attended by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the traditional prime minister, senior royals and KZN cabinet members.
Mabuza has also encouraged traditional leaders to use their rich culture and heritage to boost tourism.
“It is essential that during Tourism Month, we promote our cultural history, encourage visitors to visit heritage sites and cultural artefacts, and attend to events and activities that narrate our folklore and represent our past, the present and where we are heading into the future,” he said.
According to the Deputy President, the ancient San artworks at the Rock Art Centre, the Zulu reed dance, KwaZulu Cultural Museum near Ulundi, which exhibits famous icons of Zulu culture, form part of the tapestry of heritage.
He believes that these attractions hold the potential for the KwaZulu-Natal economy to develop by displaying its glorious history to the world.
“As leaders, it is our responsibility to identify, unlock the potential and nurture all those sectors that hold a promise to create opportunities for the people to earn a livelihood whilst preserving their rich heritage including tourism.”
He also encouraged tourism investment, which will result in a more equitable and sustainable development of traditional communities.
“Your leadership as traditional and Khoi-San leaders has been and will continue to be critical to the development of a cohesive, unified, and prosperous society that is democratic in nature, and does not discriminate based on race, gender, sexual orientation and political affiliation.”
He added that the government was opposed to the killing of traditional leaders in the province and it was ready to work with all stakeholders to deal with the scourge.
“One critical concern that we must deal with head-on is the callous murder of traditional leaders, especially in this province.