RECONSTITUTING TRADITIONAL COUNCILS TOWARDS MORDENITY, CULTURAL PRESERVATION AND SERVICE DELIVERY, SAYS MEC WILLIAMS
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in the Eastern Cape is set to oversee the elections of 40% of the Province’s Traditional Councils (TC) on 20 January 2025 as part of the reconstitution of TC, announced Cogta MEC Zolile Williams. He said the reconstitution is an important process that will take place across various TC, in line with the government’s commitment to “foster inclusive and effective traditional governance.”
MEC Williams adds: “TCs are an integral part of community development, cultural preservation and the facilitation of service delivery, particularly in rural areas. This reconstitution process aligns with the provisions of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act, which requires democratically elected members with the representation of women to reflect the diversity and aspirations of their communities.”
He said that Section 16 of Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act, 2019 (Act No. 3 of 2019) popularly known as TKLA, provides for the establishment of TCs, in all areas with recognised traditional communities and Traditional Leaders.
The MEC added that the election of 40% of the TC is a “significant milestone in modernizing traditional leadership structures while preserving their cultural importance.”
“This process is also aimed at promoting accountability, inclusivity and equitable representation in traditional leadership institutions. In terms of TKLA all tribal authorities established before 24 September 2004 must be reconstituted within a period of two (2) years from the date of the commencement of the Act. The deadline was extended to 04 February 2025, said MEC Williams. Media Statement on the Reconstitution of Traditional Councils 15 January 2024 He added critical to the reconstitution of TC is the election of the 40% membership component by members of traditional communities.
“I encourage community members to take part in this vital initiative by engaging in the election processes. Their participation is essential to ensure that TC serve as representatives and legitimate custodians of local traditions and governance.” //End//
Issued by Cogta EC. For more information, please contact Mamnkeli Ngam on 071 685 7981 or Pheello Oliphant on 082 432 6433.
