OVERVIEW BY THE SECRETARY OF THE EASTERN CAPE HOUSE OF TRADITIONAL LEADERS – MR. MZWETHEMBA NKANTSU
I feel very much humbled to present to the globe the overview of one of the important institution of government which is the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders. The purpose for doing so is obviously multifold ,however the most critical one is to popularise the said institution and in doing so, all institutions of government and private sector organisations can find a reason to establish a relationship with this institution for the betterment of the lives of the Eastern Cape traditional communities in particular.
In my overview I wish to cover three critical areas; i.e. Political structure, administrative structure and key strategic priorities of the house. Members of the house are public office bearers as they are elected by subordinate structures of the institution. As prescribed by legislation there are 38 seats allocated for the house which emanate from 14 areas of constituencies throughout the Eastern Cape Province. The house is lead by the Executive committee which is chaired by Nkosi Ngangomhlaba Matanzima for the current term and the previous one.
The administrative structure of the house is clearly outlined on the forthcoming pages for more information. The structure referred to ensures the smooth running of the house in all respect.
It is worth mentioning that the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders was established on the 18th October 1996 under the leadership of Nkosi Mwelo Nonkanyane (Zanemvula). The success of the institution will best be determined by how far it has harnessed the resources for the benefit of its subjects and how it has forged links with other democratic institutions in enhancing service delivery. There are various legislations that justify the reasons of existence of traditional leadership institutions including the House of Traditional Leaders Act no. 1 of 1995 as amended and the Municipal Structures Act no. 1 of 1998 clearly defines and encourages the spirit of co-existence between the traditional institution and other democratic structures in local government.
The house has got an obligation of ensuring that all legislation that relate to Traditional Leadership institutions are implemented and the impact of the implementation is assessed from time to time. The said legislation is intended to outline the role of traditional leadership in the democratic dispensation and furthermore enhance the efficiency of the traditional leadership institutions.
You are therefore welcome to interrogate the page and contribute in strengthening the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders.