The three-day Traditional Leaders Imbizo concluded in Boksburg, East Rand with great success and enthusiasm. The event, which was held from 15th to 17th October, brought together traditional leaders from different communities to discuss important issues and find solutions to challenges faced by their communities.
The Imbizo was organized by the Department of Traditional Affairs in partnership with the National House of Traditional Leaders and the Gauteng Provincial House of Traditional Leaders. The theme for this year’s Imbizo was “Strengthening Traditional Leadership for Sustainable Development”.
The event was attended by over 500 traditional leaders from various provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Free State, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga. The Imbizo also saw the presence of government officials, representatives from different sectors, and members of the public.
The three-day event was filled with insightful discussions, engaging workshops, and cultural performances. The traditional leaders shared their experiences and challenges faced in their communities, and also exchanged ideas on how to improve the lives of their people.
One of the key issues discussed during the Imbizo was the role of traditional leaders in promoting sustainable development. Traditional leaders are the custodians of culture and tradition, and they play a crucial role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of their communities. They also have a significant influence on the social, economic, and political development of their communities.
In his opening address, the Minister of Traditional Affairs, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, emphasized the importance of traditional leaders in nation-building and development. She also acknowledged the challenges faced by traditional leaders, such as lack of resources and recognition, and assured them of government’s support in addressing these issues.
The Imbizo also focused on the role of traditional leaders in promoting gender equality and women empowerment. Traditional leaders were encouraged to play a more active role in addressing issues such as gender-based violence and promoting the rights of women in their communities.
The three-day event also saw the launch of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Bill, which aims to recognize and protect the rights of traditional leaders and communities. This bill has been welcomed by traditional leaders as it will give them a legal framework to govern their communities and participate in decision-making processes.
The Imbizo also provided a platform for traditional leaders to showcase their cultural heritage through various performances, including traditional dances, songs, and poetry. This not only promoted cultural diversity but also highlighted the important role of traditional leaders in preserving and promoting their cultural heritage.
In his closing remarks, the chairperson of the National House of Traditional Leaders, Kgosi Pogisho Mthimunye, expressed his gratitude to the organizers and participants for making the Imbizo a success. He also urged traditional leaders to continue working together towards the development of their communities.
The three-day Traditional Leaders Imbizo was a resounding success, with fruitful discussions and meaningful outcomes. It brought together traditional leaders from different communities, providing them with a platform to share their experiences, challenges, and ideas. The Imbizo also highlighted the important role of traditional leaders in promoting sustainable development, gender equality, and cultural heritage. The event ended on a positive note, with traditional leaders committed to working together towards the betterment of their communities.
