By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on traditional leaders to work alongside the Government of National Unity (GNU) in shaping a prosperous and inclusive future for South Africa.
Addressing the annual opening of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL) at the Good Hope Centre in Cape Town, the President reaffirmed the vital role of traditional leadership in the country’s development.
The National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders comprises traditional leaders who are delegates from the Provincial Houses of Traditional Leaders of South Africa and represent the Provincial Houses at national level.
In his State of the Nation Address (SoNA) on 6 February 2025, Ramaphosa reasserted Government’s commitment to work with traditional leaders in the implementation of local development programmes.
To meet the above objectives of a nation that works for all, Ramaphosa reaffirmed Government’s collaboration with the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders as a vital conduit for creating jobs, reducing poverty and improving the lives of South Africans.
“As the Government of National Unity, I once again call on Amakhosi to join hands with us as we embark on a new, glorious future for South Africa and its people,” said Ramaphosa said.
He highlighted the historical significance of traditional leadership, noting that traditional leaders support governance in many rural and peri-urban communities, often facing the harshest conditions of poverty, inequality, and climate change.
The President expressed concern over the recent devastating floods in KwaZulu-Natal, which led to loss of life and destruction of property and infrastructure. He urged Amakhosi to work with disaster management teams to protect rural communities from extreme weather events.
“The recent floods in parts of KwaZulu-Natal have led to loss of life, damage to farming land, and the destruction of property and infrastructure. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the affected communities.
“I want to use this opportunity to call on you as Amakhosi to work with the disaster management response teams in our provinces and support the work that is being done to protect our rural communities against extreme weather,” he said.
Ramaphosa strongly condemned the increasing assassinations of traditional leaders, calling the attacks an “affront to our nation”.
He referenced the recent killing of Contralesa NEC member and Ndzundza-Fene Traditional Council Chairperson, Kosi Thugwana, in Mpumalanga, stressing that such violence must be rooted out.
“Even one killing is one too many. Be assured that our law enforcement agencies are working around the clock to ensure that the perpetrators of these heinous crime are brought to book.”
The President reiterated the government’s commitment to working with traditional and Khoi-San leaders to foster unity and development. He also emphasised the importance of their participation in the upcoming National Dialogue, a platform aimed at fostering inclusivity and shaping the country’s future.
He said that government will rely on the traditional leaders’ guidance to rally people towards a future of shared prosperity and inclusivity.
“It will be important that traditional leaders and the communities they lead [to] participate in the National Dialogue so that the process produces a plan that reflects the interests and aspirations of everyone.
“The Medium Term Development Plan that we have adopted as the Government of National Unity intends to advance three strategic priorities: to drive inclusive growth and job creation, to reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living and to build a capable, ethical and developmental state,” the President explained.
He also highlighted ongoing consultations to review the White Paper on Local Government and emphasised the role of Amakhosi in shaping policies that affect rural communities.
Tackling gender-based violence and Forum of Majesties
The President urged Amakhosi to take a stand against gender-based violence and femicide, emphasising that such crimes have no place in African culture. He commended the House for its existing initiatives and called for greater involvement in protecting women and children.
“We know that such violence is not part of any culture. Violence against women and children is not part of the nation we want to build.”
Turning to traditional leadership, Ramaphosa welcomed the launch of the Forum of South Africa’s Majesties, chaired by His Majesty King Makhosonke II, and acknowledged efforts to establish a similar platform for Queens.
He also encouraged traditional leaders to continue engaging with government ministries, particularly in sectors such as mineral resources, to ensure communities benefit from the country’s natural wealth.
G20 and National Budget
With South Africa set to host the G20 Summit for the first time later this year, the President urged traditional leaders to use the opportunity to showcase the nation’s diverse cultural heritage.
He also addressed the postponement of the Budget Speech, explaining that further discussions were necessary to align the priorities of the multi-party GNU.
“In the interests of consensus-building, we are undertaking further discussions so that we can arrive at a budget that everyone can have confidence in a budget that promotes inclusive growth, supports job creation and that tackles poverty and inequality, “he said.