Hon House Chairperson, Hon Deputy President, traditional leaders in the gallery and hon members, the ANC declares its support for the Traditional Courts Bill of 2019. It has been clearly articulated by the previous speakers that the ANC has a longstanding history with traditional leadership.
The ANC, has for decades, worked side by side with traditional leaders and the clergy for the liberation of this country. The institution of traditional leadership in Africa is one which predates colonialism and apartheid. It is the institution which has been the custodian of culture, tradition, custom and values of African societies since time immemorial.
Likewise, traditional courts were the mechanism used to resolve disputes. They were a way of administering justice in a participatory and reconciliatory manner, promoting restorative justice. This Bill does not create traditional courts as they already exist. However, the Bill merely seeks to regulate their functioning through a legislative framework.