MBOMBELA- Premier Mandla Ndlovu has handed over 34 vehicles to traditional councils across the province to strengthen service delivery in rural communities.The handover took place on Friday, October 16 at Mbombela Stadium.
Ndlovu was joined by CoGHSTA MEC Speed Mashilo. Ndlovu said traditional leaders are custodians of culture and heritage and remain key partners in maintaining peace, social cohesion and stability. He said they play a vital role in resolving disputes and linking government with communities.
He described traditional leaders as strategic partners in the fight against poverty, unemployment and inequality, noting that they understand community needs and mobilise residents around development.
The premier said government continues to invest in rural areas through water infrastructure, road rehabilitation to improve access to schools, clinics and economic opportunities, and support for small-scale farmers.He added that government will explore digital systems to improve communication and administration in traditional council offices, and urged closer cooperation between traditional leaders and municipal councillors.
The Chairperson of the Mpumalanga House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Kgoshi LM Mokoena, thanked the provincial government, saying Mpumalanga is the first province to provide operational bakkies to traditional authorities.He said the vehicles will help councils travel to assist community members, attend consultations, resolve disputes and participate in cultural ceremonies across vast rural areas.
The 34 vehicles are the first batch, the remaining fleet will be procured in the coming months.
