15 July 2003
The African National Congress held a meeting with the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA) in Johannesburg today (15 July).
The delegations were led by ANC Secretary General Kgalema Motlanthe and CONTRALESA President Patekile Holomisa.
The meeting considered and discussed the latest developments in relation to the institution of traditional leadership and its place and role in the system of democratic governance.
It noted the recent release by government of the White Paper on Traditional Leadership and Governance and the publishing for public comment of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Bill.
The meeting agreed that the structures of the ANC and CONTRALESA would cooperate with each other at all levels as they continue to clarify how elected structures of governance should work with the institution of traditional leadership to encourage social and economic development across the country, and particularly in areas falling under the jurisdiction of traditional leaders.
To this end, the two organisations are establishing a standing joint task team to operationalise these issues. The organisations' structures are being encouraged to replicate this task team at all levels.
The meeting agreed to strengthen and deepen the historical relationship between the ANC and CONTRALESA.
The CONTRALESA delegation included Nkosi P. Holomisa, khosi Sumbana, Prince M. Mopeli, Nkosi M. Nonkonyane, King Maisha III, Princess P. Mota and Prince Z. Dlamini.
The ANC delegation consisted of Secretary General K. Motlanthe, Deputy Secretary General S. Mthembi-Mahanyele, S. Ndebele, S. Mufamadi, A. Masondo, M. Dipico, G. Nkwinti, D. Afrika and S. Nthai.
Issued by African National Congress