Govt, SAPS Explore New Safety Measures for Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has reaffirmed government’s commitment to protecting traditional and Khoi-San leaders, announcing that the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Traditional Affairs are working on innovative measures to improve safety and strengthen collaboration with rural communities.

Mashatile was addressing a high-level dialogue between government and the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL) at Tshwane House in Pretoria on Friday, where security concerns, community development, and cultural preservation dominated the agenda.

Tackling the Targeted Killings of Leaders

One of the most pressing issues discussed was the spate of killings of traditional and Khoi-San leaders. The Deputy President revealed that Provincial Task Teams have been established to focus on these incidents, with SAPS and the Department of Traditional Affairs investigating alternative protection mechanisms.

Among the proposals is the expansion of mobile client service centres, enabling police to extend their reach to remote rural areas far from established stations. This approach forms part of the broader traditional policing concept, which is already being implemented in Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Mpumalanga.

“The SAPS is using services on wheels to bring policing closer to rural communities,” Mashatile said, stressing that these measures aim to reduce response times and build stronger safety networks in vulnerable areas.

Role of Leaders in Social Cohesion and Development

Mashatile reminded traditional and Khoi-San leaders—referred to as Amakhosi—of their enduring mandate to foster unity, stability, and cultural preservation within their communities. He described them as the “backbone” of South African society and vital partners in building a capable and developmental state.

“Your knowledge, expertise, and deep community ties make you indispensable in ensuring government programmes reach those who need them most,” he said. He urged leaders to engage in integrated planning, programme delivery, and service initiatives to benefit traditional communities.

The Deputy President also highlighted their ability to address pressing societal challenges such as gender-based violence, sexual offences, substance abuse, and crime.

Standing Against Gender-Based Violence

Marking Women’s Month and ahead of Women’s Day on 9 August, Mashatile called on traditional leaders to champion gender equality and reject harmful practices that discriminate against women and children.

“We must never allow anyone to misuse culture to justify mistreating women. Together, we must promote the positive aspects of our traditions while eliminating the negative elements,” he said.

Strengthening Partnerships Through Dialogue

The Deputy President emphasised that dialogue is key to strengthening ties between government and traditional leadership, noting that leaders serve as the direct link to rural and communal communities.

“It is not acceptable for government to make decisions affecting your people without your involvement. We must integrate your voices into the decision-making process—especially in matters relating to land, infrastructure, customary law, poverty alleviation, and community development,” Mashatile said.

Advancing the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Bill

On legislative developments, Mashatile announced that the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) will soon engage leaders on the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Bill (TKLB) before it is submitted to Cabinet.

The TKLB seeks to formally recognise Khoi and San communities and their leadership structures while addressing gaps in the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, No. 41 of 2003.

Once enacted, the Bill will:

• Provide a legal framework for recognising and regulating traditional and Khoi-San leadership institutions.

• Clarify their roles and responsibilities in governance.

• Define their engagement with government on policy and service delivery.

“This legislation will demonstrate our commitment to inclusive governance and the formal recognition of traditional and Khoi-San leadership in our democracy,” Mashatile concluded.