Pretoria: The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Traditional Affairs are diligently working to find alternative ways to protect traditional and Khoi-San leaders, Deputy President Paul Mashatile said on Friday. Speaking at a dialogue between the government and the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL), he mentioned the possibility of opening mobile client service centers to better reach rural communities far from police stations.
According to South African Government News Agency, the killing of traditional leaders was a significant concern at the dialogue held at Tshwane House in Pretoria. Deputy President Mashatile emphasized that Provincial Task Teams have been established to address this challenge, and both SAPS and the Department of Traditional Affairs are exploring alternative protection options for traditional and Khoi-San leaders.
He further added that SAPS is implementing the traditional policing concept in four provinces: Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Mpumalanga. The SAPS also provides services on wheels using mobile client service centers to reach rural communities distant from police stations. Mashatile urged traditional leaders to remain committed to their roles in promoting national unity, peace, stability, and community cohesion.
Mashatile highlighted the crucial role of traditional and Khoi-San leaders in establishing a capable and developing state. He noted that their knowledge, expertise, and relationships with communities make them invaluable collaborators in advancing the country's development objectives. Their leadership is essential to ensure that government policies and programs are effectively implemented.
The government is keen for traditional leaders to participate in integrated planning and service delivery initiatives that benefit traditional communities. Mashatile stressed the importance of promoting collaborative partnerships between government and traditional leaders across all spheres.
He acknowledged the significant role traditional leaders play in addressing societal issues such as sexual offenses, gender-based violence, substance abuse, and crime. As the country commemorates Women's Month, Mashatile urged traditional leaders to stand against challenges, including the abuse of women and children, and to support positive elements of traditional culture.
Mashatile emphasized that dialogue is essential for strengthening the government's partnership with traditional leadership, serving as a direct link between the government and local communities. He stated that decisions affecting leaders and their people should not be made without their involvement.
Additionally, Mashatile announced that the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) will soon engage with Traditional and Khoisan Leaders on the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Bill (TKLB) before its introduction to Parliament. The TKLB aims to formally recognize Khoi and San communities and their leadership structures, addressing deficiencies in the existing Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act. Once enacted, the Bill will provide a legal framework to recognize and regulate traditional and Khoi-San leadership institutions, outlining their roles and responsibilities.
