Bushbuckridge – Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane has handed over a new office building to traditional leaders so they won’t have to render services “under trees”.
The Mathibela Traditional Council in Oakley Trust will use the state-of-the-art offices located near Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga.
During the handover on Tuesday, (14 May 2024), Premier Mtshweni-Tsipane said the newly built offices will serve 16 villages under the authority of Chief Lameck Mokoena, who is also serving as the chairperson of the Mpumalanga House of Traditional Leaders and Khoisan.
Premier Mtshweni-Tsipane said the handed-over building was part of the African National Congress-led government’s commitment to restoring dignity and improving tools of trade for the traditional leaders.
“Today, I officiated the opening of the newly constructed offices of the Mathibela Traditional Council,” said Premier Mtshweni-Tsipane.
“The offices provide a dedicated suitable and modern space for the traditional council and the local community in their day-to-day engagements.
“The unveiling of the offices marks the fulfilment of the commitment made by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government to continuously support the institution of traditional leadership.
“There shall be no more traditional meetings that will be held under trees under this ANC-led government.
“In Mpumalanga, we will ensure that all traditional authorities have proper structures like offices so that community members are dealt with in a dignified manner.”
Premier Mtshweni-Tsipane said the availability of the offices would also strengthen co-operation between the traditional authority and its subjects.
“I am delighted to see the completion of the Mathibela Traditional Council offices. The new facility will play a crucial role in promoting cultural heritage and bolster the working relationship between traditional leadership and local communities,” she said.
The government “provision of viable services” is happening as the country is gearing up to host the general elections in about two weeks, on 29 May 2024.
