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Unveiling of tombstone in Nyandeni Great Place
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Speeches and Media Releases
 Health

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EASTERN CAPE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT

SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE M.E.C FOR HEALTH

ON THE OCCASION TO MARK THE UNVEILING OF THE TOMBSTONE

IN NYANDENI GREAT PLACE

12 DECEMBER 1999

The institution of traditional leadership has been with us since the time immemorial. The medieval Europe and many parts of the world were 
ruled by Kings and queens differing on social organisation. In precolonial Africa especially in Southern Africa traditional leadership 
formed the basis of administrative and political structure of our society.
 They were a unifying force, where inter-community conflict was avoided through consensus. The councillors representing the various 
constituencies would gather at the Great Place formed a point of reference on societal values and norms.

The arrival of colonialists and missionaries soon reoriented the traditional leadership to suit their greed for conquest and colonial 
interests. They managed to break through the ranks and destroyed what was a beautiful and solid culture of our people. In many parts of the 
continent this resulted in revolt against the traditional leadership which was seen as an impediment to development.

The conquest in South Africa led to new developments within the institution. The Chiefs were either seen as collaborators with the 
colonialists or as stalling development. In the eyes of the many South Africans they were seen as an extension of Apartheid administration.

Whether this is to be seen as holding truth one needs to carefully study the establishment of the oppressive homeland system where mainly 
the whole leadership was derived from the ranks of traditional leadership. In deed those who fiercely opposed the system were either 
disposed through the Western legal system or sent into exile. There are a number of examples which can be mentioned, the Chief Luthuli in 
KwaZulu  Natal, King Sabata Dalindyebo of the Tembuland amongst the few.

This perception of traditional leaders playing a buffer between the oppressors and the oppressed was to affect the relationship between the 
post-apartheid government led by the progressive forces and the stagnant and static institution. There was a very weak link and loose 
relationship which was mainly characterised by paranoia and distrust. Another factor which contributed was a perception that dismantling 
apartheid would automatically reshape the Traditional Leadership. There was no in-depth review and proper strategising for the institution. 
On the other hand the Traditional Leaders sensing the winds of change failed to act promptly and play a pivotal role in the transformation. 
Instead they went back to their cocoons in defiance of change.

The message I want to pass today is that time for change has come. All levels of society cannot escape this movement. It is an imperative 
of social development. Lets all take it as our responsibility to shape and mould our society into a form that will enhance the quality of 
life. When we talk of better life for all we do not mean life of hand-outs, life of privilege, life of entitlement. We mean lives of people 
who make things happen for themselves and for their communities.

For any meaningful contribution that the Traditional Leaders can make it is imperative that they must acknowledge the recent past as having 
contributed negatively to governance. In pre-colonial era it was democratic. What is needed at this stage is to restore its dignity. As a 
first step towards restoration of the dignity we need to define the concept of "traditional leadership". There are many people out there 
who have claims on royal lineage. Some of these claims are falsely represented as many see the opportunity of self-enrichment. This has 
often led to the further paralysing of the noble course of the institution.

Having defined traditional leadership Traditional Leaders must define their space within the democratic and the ever changing environment. 
To make it simple Traditional Leaders must be aware that the traditional forms of control can no longer be exercised. Even the state itself 
has changed completely from what it used to be. What we see today is vibrancy of organs of civil society taking a centre stage in shaping 
the society. The question that faces many of use is whether the traditional leaders would remain in the enclave. I must point out that if 
we want to preserve the institution we have to be proactive. Traditional Leaders must not be afraid that their power will be eroded. Yes! 
It will be eroded if they are not proactive. Our once foundation of our society will be washed away.

The democratic culture comes with accountability and transparency. There are certain chiefs who have been accused of failing to account 
about their activities. They have justified their actions by clinging to the very undemocratic culture. They have justified their actions 
by clinging to the very undemocratic culture. Statements such as "the Chief cannot be held accountable by his/her subjects" are no longer 
relevant today. The Traditional Leaders are paid by the state. The subjects pay tax. They want to know what has happened to the money 
transferred to your Authority for projects. Their right to access to information is guaranteed in the constitution. Traditional Leaders 
unlike the civil servants who would be dismissed if they fail in their duties will face the wrath of their subjects. The consequences are 
severe.

The Provincial Government of Eastern Cape on the other has a responsibility to ensure that the institution is preserved. The House of 
Traditional Leaders is not enough in ensuring this. As I stand here the Premier is finalising measures that would ensure strong 
relationship with the Provincial Government. As part of the process will be to hold quarterly or bi-annual meetings with the Paramount 
Chiefs to discuss all matters affecting the Province.

The challenge facing most of the Traditional Authorities is the impact of Local Authorities within their areas of jurisdiction. Previously 
the municipalities were seen as urban structures led by elected leaders. The rural setting was a domain of Traditional Leaders. It is a 
well known fact that our rural areas are underdeveloped and in some cases they have gone from bad to worse. It is therefore the 
governments responsibility to ensure that our rural areas are adequately developed to improve the quality of life of the people in those 
areas. The governments closest sphere is the TRC. The TRCs are, in deed, the transitional structures which envisage the co-operation of 
the democratically elected representatives and Traditional Leaders. There are of course limitations to this arrangement but it is believed 
that if we all as a collective put some strategies in place we can succeed.

In conclusion MC I wish to mention one important issue. The new government has restructured the remuneration of Traditional Leaders. Some 
say money is the source of all evils. What we have seen today is the emergence of people claiming royalty because there are financial 
gains. Real Traditional Leaders must not into this trap. This has happened with many comrades who were actively involved in the liberation 
movement. Instead of helping to drive the process of transformation and contributing in the upliftment of the poor they have enriched 
themselves. As leaders of our people we better suffer than let them suffer. If we were honest in accepting leadership role then we have a 
responsibility towards them. We dare not to fail.

I thank you.

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