Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has highlighted the significance of traditional leaders in reshaping communities and providing guidance.

Delivering his message at the Traditional Leaders Indaba‚ which comes to an end on Friday in Boksburg‚ east of Johannesburg‚ Ramaphosa said traditional leaders will continue to exist and receive support from government‚ as they have an important place in a democratic society.

“As government‚ we are deeply invested in supporting and strengthening the institution of traditional leadership. We are invested in restoring the pride and dignity of traditional authority‚ so that our leaders can better lead the reconstruction and development of our nation‚” Ramaphosa said.

“Our constitution recognises that without the institution of traditional leadership‚ our South African community is incomplete [and] without your active participation‚ our nation will not overcome the scourges of poverty‚ unemployment and inequality.”

Maimane attacks 'President Gupta' while Ramaphosa speaks uninterruptedPresident Jacob Zuma came under fresh attack in the National Assembly‚ with the DA’s Mmusi Maimane calling him “President Gupta” in a debate that was marred by insults from ANC and DA benches. 

He said South African communities — which are led by traditional leaders — cannot be successful without working together with elected representatives in local government.

“It is a vision that sees the institution of traditional leadership contributing significantly to employment creation‚ social cohesion and nation building. For generations‚ it has been the function of traditional leadership to facilitate economic development‚ protect communities and preserve the environment‚” Ramaphosa said.

On Monday President Jacob Zuma officially opened the Indaba‚ also citing the significance of traditional leaders in society.

In his address‚ Zuma spoke about the work being done to improve the age-old institution of traditional leadership and committed to working with this sector.

State capture eating the ANC‚ says RamaphosaANC deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a judicial commission of inquiry into state capture to be appointed speedily. 

Throughout his address‚ Ramaphosa urged traditional leaders to work in partnership with government to improve the lives of communities to deal with social ills and to improve the health of rural people.

“Traditional leaders have a crucial role to play in promoting awareness‚ tackling prejudice and combating stigma. There are areas where traditional leaders have taken the lead in encouraging men to be circumcised‚ even where it is not a common cultural practice‚ because it significantly reduces the chances of HIV transmission‚” Ramaphosa added.

“In particular‚ we need to address their vulnerability to HIV and TB‚ by focusing both on prevention and ensuring access to treatment. Our response to these epidemics needs to take account of the cultural practices and beliefs of our people.”

The deputy president assured traditional leaders that government wants to help them address the land question‚ by making sure that 30% of land that chiefs and kings have control over will be transferred to traditional communities.