CAPE TOWN – President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed strong support for a new initiative aimed at equipping traditional leaders with the skills to spearhead socio-economic development within their communities. The initiative, a collaboration between the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the National School of Government (NSG), focuses on a wide range of development issues.
According to South African Government News Agency, the President highlighted the importance of building the capacity of traditional leaders to ensure they can actively contribute to the development and economic well-being of rural areas. The training program, titled “The Art of Facilitating Socio-Economic Development for Traditional Leaders,” is designed to empower these leaders to become effective change agents, equipped with the knowledge and skills to leverage local natural resources sustainably and engage communities in development activities.
The NSG, which is responsible for delivering this and other funded programs aimed at professionalizing the public sector, has outlined the program’s objectives to include enhancing traditional leaders’ understanding of their roles in accordance with the Constitution and the National Development Plan. The aim is to address the socio-economic needs of their communities, promote development and governance, and foster a collaborative spirit among various community stakeholders.
In addition to the training initiative, President Ramaphosa urged traditional leaders to encourage widespread participation in the upcoming National and Provincial Elections on May 29, 2024, emphasizing the importance of their role in promoting democratic processes.