South Africa: Hlabisa Advocates for Stronger Traditional Leadership and Local Governance

15 January 2026
SAnews.gov.za (Tshwane)

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has emphasised the vital role of traditional leadership in maintaining community stability and enhancing local governance.

He highlighted the ongoing review of the White Paper on Local Government and reiterated the ministry's commitment to strengthening collaboration. The review aims to incite fresh thinking, honest reflection, and decisive action toward building a fit-for-purpose local government system that truly serves the people of South Africa.

In addition, he stressed the importance of effectively integrating traditional institutions into the evolving governance system.

The Minister was speaking during a follow-up engagement with the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA), led by its President, Kgoshi Mathupa Mokoena, yesterday.

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Deputy Ministers Dr Namane Dickson Masemola and Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, along with senior officials and the CoGTA leadership team, were in attendance.

This gathering built on the engagement that took place with President Cyril Ramaphosa in December 2025, marking a strong start to the year and reinforced the partnership between CoGTA and traditional leadership structures.

"This platform is an opportunity for the exchange of ideas and constructive criticism. As a Ministry, we remain committed to listening, learning, and working collaboratively to strengthen the traditional leadership institution - the oldest form of governance in our country," he said.

CONTRALESA welcomed the Minister's continued commitment and highlighted his longstanding background in traditional affairs.

The leadership expressed gratitude for his willingness to engage and emphasised the importance of ongoing collaboration to address the long-standing challenges faced by traditional leaders.

Both the Minister and Kgoshi Mokoena voiced deep concern about the 49 fatalities reported during the customary initiation season of summer 2025.

They agreed that preserving culture and protecting life should remain key priorities. A broad consultative meeting is scheduled for February to strengthen safeguards, enhance oversight, and improve community safety.

The Minister reiterated that the department is committed to transparent engagement, meaningful partnerships, and advancing shared goals of community well-being, stability, and effective cooperative governance.

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