North West local government MEC, Manketsi Tlhape has stated that traditional leaders should hold government accountable if they failed to improve the lives of rural communities.
“Government should be taking the lead from traditional leaders as they know and understand the needs of their communities”.
Tlhape added that traditional leaders should summon government and advice them on what needs to be done in their communities if necessary. Traditional leaders should be directing governments programmes as they are better placed in the communities.
Tlhape also highlighted “issues that traditional leaders have raised included capacitating the administrative supporting staff complement at traditional council and district offices”. She further suggested that “we must demonstrate co-operation between traditional leaders and government in our province, our communities should see us working together not against each other”.
Don Peter Van Ginkel commented on the news24 site in agreement with Tlhape’s statements as he suggests “food parcels just before elections are not enough. The people want clean water and electricity and proper medical treatment, not empty promises.
