Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane has emphasized the critical role of traditional leadership in driving progress and development across the province. He called for strengthened collaboration between government and traditional leaders to tackle key challenges and unlock the province s full potential.

Premier Mabuyane was speaking at the official opening of the House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders in Bhisho, today.

The Eastern Cape government will continue to support the House of Traditional Leaders in its mandate. However, we need a unified approach where government, traditional leadership, and society work together to address our common challenges and advance the development of our people”, he said.

Key priorities outlined by the Premier included upholding gender equality by recognising women in traditional leadership, ensuring accountability within traditional institutions, and revitalizing Jongilizwe College in Tsolo. He also highlighted the need to resolve traditional leadership disputes and urged leaders to champion rural development, especially in agriculture.

Moreover, the Premier detailed the government s efforts to strengthen the institutional capacity of traditional leadership through increased financial and administrative support, partnerships with government departments and municipalities, infrastructure development in traditional councils, as well as training initiatives focused on modern governance and development planning.