Hlabisa Underscores Role of Traditional Leaders in Strengthening Local Governance

Minister Hlabisa said the review process is intended to stimulate fresh thinking, honest reflection and decisive action to build a fit-for-purpose local government system that better serves communities.

Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has reaffirmed the critical role of traditional leadership in promoting community stability, social cohesion and effective local governance across South Africa.

Speaking during a follow-up engagement with the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA), led by its President Kgoshi Mathupa Mokoena, the Minister highlighted the ongoing review of the White Paper on Local Government, describing it as a key opportunity to reimagine and reform the local government system.

Review of Local Government Framework

Minister Hlabisa said the review process is intended to stimulate fresh thinking, honest reflection and decisive action to build a fit-for-purpose local government system that better serves communities.

He stressed that an essential part of this reform is the effective integration of traditional institutions into South Africa’s evolving governance architecture, recognising traditional leadership as the oldest form of governance in the country.

“This platform provides an opportunity for the exchange of ideas and constructive criticism. As a Ministry, we remain committed to listening, learning and working collaboratively to strengthen the institution of traditional leadership,” Hlabisa said.

Strengthening Partnerships

The meeting was attended by Deputy Ministers Dr Namane Dickson Masemola and Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, senior officials and members of the CoGTA leadership team.

The engagement builds on discussions held with President Cyril Ramaphosa in December 2025, reinforcing cooperation between government and traditional leadership structures at the start of 2026.

CONTRALESA welcomed the Minister’s continued engagement, acknowledging his longstanding experience in traditional affairs and expressing appreciation for his willingness to address long-standing challenges faced by traditional leaders through sustained dialogue and partnership.

Concern Over Initiation Season Fatalities

Both Minister Hlabisa and Kgoshi Mokoena expressed serious concern over the 49 fatalities reported during the summer 2025 customary initiation season.

They agreed that preserving cultural practices while protecting human life must remain a shared priority. To this end, a broad consultative meeting is scheduled for February, aimed at strengthening safeguards, improving oversight and enhancing community safety during initiation practices.

Commitment to Cooperative Governance

Concluding the engagement, Minister Hlabisa reiterated CoGTA’s commitment to transparent engagement, meaningful partnerships and collaborative governance, with the shared goal of advancing community well-being, stability and effective cooperative governance throughout the country.