Mopani traditional leaders march over their grievances

Traditional leaders from Mopani in Limpopo marched to the provincial government offices on Wednesday to submit a memorandum of grievances. Under the auspices of the Association of Traditional Leaders [ATL], the traditional leaders were accompanied by dozens of their community members.

They sang and danced to Tsonga traditional songs. They also pleaded for the government to recognise their traditional leadership.

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The ATL represents various traditional leaders, including Hosi Maswanganyi, Hosi Siyandhani, Hosi Dzumeri, Hosi Khakhala, Hosi Mthimkhulu, Hosi Mahuntsi, Hosi Shimange, Hosi Bokisi, Hosi Gon’on’o, Hosi Mahlathi, Hosi Hlomela and Hosi Ndengeza.

TRADITIONAL LEADERS FROM MOPANI SUBMIT THEIR GRIEVANCES THROUGH A MARCH IN POLOKWANE

Among others, the ATL is seeking recognition and compensation. They also raised a concern about the delayed construction of traditional council offices and the insufficient provision of resources necessary for their daily operations.

“Our affiliates continue to suffer humiliation and oppression in 30 years of our democracy, like they did under the Apartheid regime,” read a memorandum from ATL.

“In the repressive government, derogatory names like headmen, independent headmen and sub-chiefs were used to define these tihosi (Senior Traditional Leaders). Unfortunately, the Limpopo Provincial Government has failed to give the proper recognition they deserve.

“Despite some of them having been restored to their status by the Commissions on Traditional leadership disputes, they are denied fullest rights and privileges. The ATL suspects that there are also forces that are misleading the Premier or MEC deliberately for selfish gains,” they said.

“The alliance of three — Hosi Hlaneki, Hosi Ngove, and Hosi Majeje — has strategically positioned itself across all three spheres of government. Hosi Hlaneki serves as Deputy Chairperson of the Mopani House of Traditional Leaders, while Hosi Ngove and Hosi Majeje hold positions in the Provincial and National Houses of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, respectively.”