Chairperson, hon members of the House and the Minister, I greet you all. This is a Bill that has been a long time in the making. We, in Cope, are pleased that this Bill has finally reached the stage where we are debating it.
The Bill is important for a number of reasons. We live in a constitutional state and it is imperative, whenever a structure of the government is set up, that it complies fully with the democratic rules and accountability. That should be done. Likewise, our Constitution requires that a government structure gives recognition to nonsexism, co-operative government between the legislature and the House, nation-building, unity and peace among the House and the traditional leaders and the community.
There is no question about enhancing traditional culture.
This Bill also satisfies another long-standing vacuum, namely giving serious attention to the plight of rural people in our community. The establishment of the House allows the participation of this House in the international and national programmes, which are geared towards the development of the rural communities.
It will also have the power to participate in the national and international community to monitor, review and evaluate the government programmes.
By thus focusing on the developmental needs of rural communities, the House of Traditional Leaders can only play a significant role in attracting development in the rural areas. In a world where cultural tourism is booming, the House of Traditional Leaders can play a very important role in boosting tourism in the communities there.
The code of conduct in schedule C compels those members of the House to function in such a manner that they are faithful to the community - no discrimination - and they must also be transparent.
In fact, the traditional leaders have always exercised authority in their areas in the traditional manner. That does not mean that our constitutional dispensation must not be allowed to hold sway. This Bill requires that a member of the House, if he or she wants to do any other business, must also be required to disclose any particular attention.
Finally, Chairperson, we are pleased that this attempt is made to address the misalignment of insufficient resources and also the gaps relating to House of the Traditional Leaders. We know that it will need a big budget but at least the government is prepared to do this because they are reshaping and also revamping the life of our community. I thank you. [Applause.]