Deputy President Mashatile to attend inaugural meeting with Majesties: Kings, Queens and Principal traditional Leaders

Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will this afternoon, 25 October 2024, attend and address the inaugural meeting with Their Majesties - Kings, Queens and Principal Traditional Leaders from across the country, taking place in Pretoria.

The three-day engagement follows a meet and greet session with Their Majesties, undertaken by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa, as well as Deputy Ministers, Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe and Dr Namane Dickson Masemola on 30 August 2024. 

The Deputy President was tasked by the President to lead a Task Team dealing with issues raised by Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders. He will be supported by Minister Hlabisa and various Ministers and Deputy Ministers who constitute the Task Team on Traditional Leadership, MECs of COGTA, the National and Provincial Chairpersons of the House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders as well as senior Government officials.

Government recognises and supports the critical role of traditional leadership institutions in South Africa’s constitutional democracy and in communities, especially in relation to prioritising development in rural and traditional areas. This recognition of Kings, Queens and Principal Traditional Leaders is regulated by sec 7 (1)(a) (i) and (ii) of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act No. 3 of 2019, (the TKLA).  

Kings, Queens and Principal Traditional Leaders have a customary role to play as leaders of traditional communities. In addition, they also have a role in nation building and social cohesion through the promotion of peace, stability and unity within the traditional communities falling under their jurisdiction.

The establishment of a Forum of South African Majesties will ensure continuous interface between Their Majesties and Government, in aid of seamless coordination, particularly on issues of mutual interest and inclusive development. The institution of traditional leadership continues to serve as a reliable and valuable compass of society and the development of the nation.

The engagement will receive progress reports from Government on matters previously raised by Their Majesties, ranging from land reform, rural infrastructure and socio-economic development as well as the preservation of culture and heritage among others.

Members of the media are invited to cover the meeting  and address of the Deputy President as follows:

Date: Friday 25 October 2024
Time: 15h00
Venue: Southern Sun Hotel, Arcadia

Media wishing to RSVP should be direct their confirmations to Ms Khanya Ngwenya at 082 619 9280 or KhanyaN@cogta.gov.za

Media enquiries: Mr Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 066 195 8840 or Mr Legadima Leso on 066 479 9904.

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria