MPUMALANGA – Mpumalanga’s traditional leaders are set to receive a R20 million boost, along with basic skills in financial management and bookkeeping, to enhance their capacity.
Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane made this announcement at the 5th annual opening of the Mpumalanga House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (MHTLK), held at the provincial legislature on Wednesday, 17 April 2024.
The Premier emphasised the government’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of the MHTLK to solidify its pivotal role in developmental issues.
“In this regard, it gives me great pleasure to announce that we have already initiated training programmes designed to equip, upskill, and sustain Amakhosi with foundational skills in financial management and bookkeeping,” she declared.
She further stated that they would intensify these capacity-building programmes to cover areas such as ethical leadership and management, land use management, anti-land invasion techniques, local economic development, and investment attraction.
” Rolling out capacity building workshops on the Traditional Courts Act in collaboration with department of Justice, agrarian and farming skills, to mention just a few,” she added.
“Through these capacity-building programmes, we are satisfied that they will equip abo-Ndabezitha with the skills and knowledge required to initiate and oversee long-term economic initiatives in their communities whilst working together with Government in creating sustainable jobs.”
The Premier stressed the importance of adapting to rapidly evolving technology. Therefore, capacity development is key to helping abo-Ndabezitha adapt to new ways of our operations. These changes have rippling effect on societal dynamics and require knowledge, technical skills and practical exposure in response,” she explained.
She also revealed that the MHTLK’s budget would receive an additional R20 million to bolster day-to-day operations and enhance the overall functionality of the Provincial House. In addition to the existing R20 million budget, an additional amount of R20 million will be allocated during the adjustment period to make it R40 million,” the Premier confirmed.
