Traditional leaders a key link to service delivery, says Ramakgopa

The active participation of traditional leaders is critical to speeding up service delivery and strengthening development in communities, Minister in the Presidency for planning, monitoring and evaluation Maropene Ramakgopa said on Tuesday. Speaking at a traditional leaders and stakeholder engagement at the Tatham Art Gallery, Ramakgopa emphasised that government cannot address community challenges alone and must work hand in glove with traditional leaders. She said traditional leaders remain a vital link between government and rural communities and their involvement is essential in identifying local challenges and ensuring that development programmes reach the people who need them most.

“Traditional leaders are at the coalface of our communities. Their participation helps ensure that government programmes are responsive and effective,” she said. Ramakgopa said strengthening collaboration between government and traditional leadership would help accelerate service delivery and improve accountability at a local level.

She said the engagements also comes at a time when concerns are mounting over the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease, which continues to threaten the agricultural sector and the livelihoods of many rural communities. Ramakgopa urged communities and traditional leaders to work with authorities to contain the disease and protect livestock. “We must work together to safeguard our agriculture sector, which remains an important source of income and food security for many families.” The minister added that youth must be included in development initiatives and economic programmes aimed at uplifting communities.

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“Young people must be part of the development agenda. They should not only be beneficiaries but active participants in shaping the future of their communities.”

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