Construction of House of Traditional Leaders creates jobs

29 March 2010

The new Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders (ECHTL) in Bhisho has changed the lives of disadvantaged communities through job creation and the transfer of skills. These skills will now be used for future job opportunities and in turn give back to their communities.

One hundred and twenty one jobs were created through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). 14 females and 55 youths were among those employed and workers were trained in the following trades: plumbing, bricklaying, plastering, painting and decoration. The Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders is part of the King William’s Town or Bhisho revitalisation programme that has seen a public private partnership registered with National Treasury for the development of 39 000 square meters. Construction started in March 2007 and was completed in October last year.

The building costs estimated to an amount of R80 million and has been handed over to the traditional leaders for utilisation. The Department of Public Works, however, remains custodian of the property. The House of Traditional Leaders is a first of its kind in the country. It will be the main centre of service delivery for the traditional leaders in the province and will provide an environment for effective and efficient performance of the house.

This will restore the dignity of the traditional institution in the province. For many years the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders were housed from one building and office to the other. The Eastern Cape province legislature and traditional leaders resolved this finally when a piece of land between the Bhisho high court and the Buffalo City municipal offices was allocated in 2007.

The role of the traditional house is specified in the Constitution. Among the chief roles is to deal with matters relating to traditional leadership, the role of traditional leaders customary law and the customs of communities observing a system of customary law.

Addressing the crowd at the official opening, the AmaRharhabe King Maxhobayakhawuleza Sandile urged all kings to lead their people respectfully and not take them for granted.

“Kings must be distinguished for their leadership and they must be seen as law abiding citizens in front of their people”.

Eastern Cape Premier, Noxolo Kiviet and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Sicelo Shiceka, also delivered speeches. Shiceka promised to help the province acquire more drought relief funding from the National Treasury.

Kiviet said it was the responsibility of the Kings to protect all those who can’t protect themselves particularly women, the disabled and children. She further said that government must educate traditional leaders about HIV and AIDS, so they in turn can inform their community.

She also emphasised that the kings should also enjoy the same privileges as other parliamentarians such as government vehicles and government houses but it must be clear that the main function of the House is to preserve tradition and culture.

“Today epitomises the process of the restoration of the dignity of the institution of traditional leadership. It is indeed a milestone for royalty and what it is expected to do in the new dispensation”, said poet Zolani Mkiva.

The mayor of Camdeboo, Dr Daantjie Japhta was also impressed with the occasion.

“This was necessary to bring people together in a traditional fashion. The ordinary person could come and experience and that is part of nation building, to see people get their rightful place”.

Issued by: Department of Roads and Public Works, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
29 March 2010
Source: Department of Roads and Public Works, Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://dpw.ecprov.gov.za/)