The Deputy Speaker of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature, Mlibo Qoboshiyane, visited the Eastern Cape Kingdoms and the Traditional Councils since they are closing the sixth term in the legislature.
Their visit to the Kingdoms forms part of the stakeholder engagement on conversation and accountability, initiated by the presiding officers at the beginning of the sixth term.
Qoboshiyane confirmed that they had visited the Amaxhosa Kingdom in Nqadu Great Place, Nyandeni Kingdom in Nyandeni Great Place, Abathembu Kingdom in Nkululekweni, Mthatha, Amampondomise in Qumbu, Abathembu base Ntshona in Cofimvaba, and the Kingdom of Amarharhabe in Mngqesha Great Place.
He said that when they entered the legislature in 2019, they visited all these places, working with them and tightening their compassion, of working together with them.
“Now that we are about to leave, we must again come and thank them for working with us. We have realised that there are a lot of challenges facing them in the Great Places, and in our communities.
“The issue of land is one of the major problems. As parliament, the constitution has given us powers to make rules and authorities.
“We have to ensure that public participation continues, and we say exactly what the people want, and what stresses them,” said Qoboshiyane.
According to him, when they visited Nqadu Great Place, King Ahlangene Sigcau raised the land issue as one of the major problems, stating that there are no longer roles that are played by traditional leaders; that is why people are doing whatever they want when it comes to land.
He said that he had also raised the problem of the high rate of crime in the areas, drugs, and alcohol.
“They came with their suggestions, which they think they should bring a change if government can work together with them. They also said that another challenge is tools of trade, because they do not have enough equipment; even if they see the need of reporting something to the police officers, it is hard for them to do that.
“They are saying government must tighten up the rules if they want to make peace in the localities.”
Qoboshiyane added that the protection fee is one of the issues, because it will make things hard for those who want to open job opportunities for others, because they have to pay this fee.
Talking to Nyandeni Great Place, he said that they will look at the issues that were raised by traditional leaders and Ndamase. He said that they will forward others to the relevant departments.
“By doing this our country will not stop having traditional leaders and kings; we are taking these matters seriously and we will ensure that those who will follow after us are solving them.”
Ndamase, from Nyandeni Kingdom, said they were happy about their visit.
He also raised the challenges they are facing asking the government to intervene.
