Deputy Chairperson, hon Minister and members, strengthening institutions of traditional leadership and building the capacity of traditional leaders has been a key element in our effort over the years to improve the South African governance system and the quality of life for traditional communities.
Hon members, in the process a number of important lessons during the previous term of government were learned. There have been significant victories and a number of weaknesses that relate to intergovernmental co- ordination, provincial and local spheres of government and the institution of traditional leadership.
Based on the lessons of the last 15 years, in the electoral mandate of the ruling party, the ANC, one of the priorities that has been identified for this term includes improving the developmental capacity of the institution of traditional leadership. Our mission is to facilitate co-operative governance and support the institution of traditional leadership, in order to achieve improved service delivery. The institution of traditional leadership is central to our system of governance in rural areas. Placing the institution of traditional leadership at the centre of rural development should be our key objective during this term. Furthermore, it is no accident that the vision of the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs is to build a coherent and cohesive institution of traditional leadership that plays a central role in rural development.
This optimism creates space and opportunities for the institution of traditional leadership and our traditional communities to become a vibrant and active part of this democracy. The National House of Traditional Leaders Bill and the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Amendment Bill were submitted to the Select Committee on Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs for consideration and reporting to this House.
In our committee deliberations, the proposed amendments to these Bills are aimed at strengthening the role of traditional leaders, as well as providing for support, recognition, new roles and responsibilities. Members of this House have to ensure that there is maximum public participation and consultation in the legislative processes. Provincial hearings were held, led by the provincial legislatures, to ensure that critical stakeholders were fully consulted.
Through these proposed amendments we believe the central role of traditional leadership for rural development is now better appreciated, together with the need to position the institution of traditional leadership to partner with government to accelerate development. Building the institution of traditional leadership, especially its developmental role as part of our governance system, should be our key focus.
Traditional leaders have a fundamental role to play in rural development and, as the Select Committee on Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, we will work closely with the National House of Traditional Leaders to ensure that this role is fulfilled effectively in order to facilitate a better life for all South Africans.
Hon Minister, we can only achieve the above if this mandate is fully funded. We have just heard from KwaZulu-Natal that this seems to be an unfunded mandate, and the department could not clarify this particular issue. I thank you. [Applause.]