Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu handed over 34 operational vehicles to traditional councils on October 16 at Mbombela Stadium, in a move aimed at strengthening rural leadership and improving community service delivery.
Ndlovu was accompanied by the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA), Speed Mashilo. The provincial government said the vehicles were the first batch, with the remaining fleet expected to be procured in the coming months.
The vehicles will assist traditional leaders with community consultations, dispute resolution, cultural ceremonies and travelling to rural communities requiring their intervention.
Ndlovu described traditional leaders as custodians of customs, culture and heritage, as well as essential partners in maintaining peace, social cohesion and stability.
He said government could not achieve inclusive rural development without their contribution, highlighting their role in addressing poverty, unemployment and inequality.
The Premier also outlined government’s investment in rural water infrastructure, road rehabilitation and support for small-scale farmers through equipment, seeds and access to reliable markets.
He said government would explore digital systems to improve communication, record-keeping and administrative processes in traditional council offices. He also called for closer cooperation between traditional leaders, ward councillors and municipal councillors to address community challenges.
Chairperson of the Mpumalanga House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, Kgoshi Mathupa Mokoena, welcomed the handover, saying reliable transport would help traditional councils fulfil their responsibilities across vast rural areas.
Mokoena said Mpumalanga was the first province to purchase operational vehicles, including bakkies, to support traditional authorities.
He explained that traditional leaders frequently travel long distances to assist residents, resolve disputes and participate in community activities.
The handover was attended by executive mayors and other government and traditional leadership representatives.
The provincial government said additional vehicles would be procured in the coming months to support designated traditional councils across Mpumalanga.
