Zuma: Traditional leaders have a vital role to play
President Jacob Zuma has told traditional leaders in Boksburg they have a vital role to play in nation-building.
Addressing the inaugural Indigenous and Traditional Leaders Indaba, Zuma raised a number of issues he believes traditional structures could help to address.
On Land
President Zuma urged those who obtain land not to resell it, saying money is the root of all evil.
The president says he finds it discouraging to know 90% of land claims are currently settled through financial compensation. He says the dispossession of land is shackling black South Africans in poverty.
Zuma wants to ensure that those who acquire land through land distribution should benefit from that very land. "I would say the land that is brought back, those who are regaining, have no right to sell it," says Zuma.
A Principled Society
Amid a number of violent attacks on women and children in South Africa, President Zuma says traditional leaders can play an important role in addressing these crimes.
Government has prioritised all crimes against women and children, but the president believes traditional structures can help restore dignity in their respective communities.
Zuma emphasises the point of protecting women and children saying: "Women and children have a right to freedom of movement and security in the country and must not live in fear."
He further urged traditional leaders to advise government on addressing these crimes where the state might fall short.
Restore Leadership
President Zuma also called on traditional leaders to provide leadership and restore respect in society warning: "Once the respect is gone, then you have a problem in a society.
"Traditional leaders must help us in instilling unity, social cohesion and nation-building," says Zuma, "it is also important that we emphasise our values systems, which are informed by our rich customs and traditions, such as Ubuntu."
These remarks came less than 24 hours after the president's own leadership was questioned by some in the ANC's top leadership.
He faced a second motion of no confidence against him at the National Executive Committee meeting in Irene at the weekend.