Five new vehicles handed over to Senior Traditional Leaders by MEC Basikopo Makamu. The five leaders who received their new vehicles are Kgoshi Seleke, Vho-Thovhele Tshivhase, Vho-Thovhele Nesengani, Vho-Thovhele Mphaphuli, and Kgoshi Pheeha.
The Limpopo Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, known as CoGHSTA, has officially handed over brand-new vehicles to five newly recognized senior traditional leaders. The handover took place yesterday morning at the Government Garage in Polokwane, marking another major step in the government’s ongoing programme to empower traditional institutions across the province.
The five leaders who received their new vehicles are Kgoshi Seleke, Vho-Thovhele Tshivhase, Vho-Thovhele Nesengani, Vho-Thovhele Mphaphuli, and Kgoshi Pheeha. The keys were presented directly to the royal leaders by the MEC for CoGHSTA, Basikopo Makamu.
Empowering Leaders with Tools of Trade
Speaking during the handover ceremony yesterday, MEC Basikopo Makamu emphasized that the provision of these vehicles is directly aimed at helping traditional leaders carry out their daily responsibilities and serve their rural communities more effectively. He noted that traditional leadership remains a vital pillar of governance, social stability, and local development in Limpopo.
“Traditional leaders play a critical role in the lives of our people,” MEC Makamu stated. “They are partners in development, custodians of culture and key stakeholders in promoting social cohesion and resolving community disputes.”
MEC Makamu explained that giving senior leaders proper transport is not a luxury, but rather an essential provision of tools of trade. Traditional leaders oversee vast areas, often in remote regions where roads are challenging and public services require constant local coordination. Without reliable transport, attending district meetings, visiting community members, participating in developmental forums, and resolving local land or family disputes becomes very difficult.
The provincial government reiterated that this move once more underscores its unwavering commitment to supporting the institution of traditional leadership. By ensuring that senior leaders are equipped with reliable transport, the provincial administration aims to bridge the gap between municipal governance and traditional authorities.
Part of a Broader Provincial Initiative
This vehicle allocation forms part of a wider provincial initiative designed to provide transportation support to all recognized senior traditional leaders across Limpopo. Over the past few years, CoGHSTA has rolled out phased vehicle allocations to ensure that royal houses and recognized traditional authorities receive the dignity and administrative backing they require to fulfil their constitutional and cultural mandates.
Yesterday’s ceremony brought together leaders from local government structures, including representatives from the Capricorn District and the Polokwane Municipality. This gathering demonstrated a united front between elected municipal officials and traditional rulers. Speaking on behalf of the Local House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Kgoshi Kgabo Moloto expressed gratitude for the continued support from the provincial government. He noted that proper resources allow traditional councils to maintain their dignity and operational efficiency.
As the five senior leaders left the Government Garage yesterday behind the wheels of their new vehicles, community members and traditional council representatives welcomed the intervention. For the communities of Kgoshi Seleke, Vho-Thovhele Tshivhase, Vho-Thovhele Nesengani, Vho-Thovhele Mphaphuli, and Kgoshi Pheeha, the improved mobility of their leaders is expected to translate into faster response times for local matters, better representation in government forums, and stronger community development oversight.
