The two kings in Limpopo, Vhavenda King Toni Mphephu Ramabulana and King Thulare III of the Bapedi Nation, will receive a budget allocation to discharge their responsibilities.
A fortnight ago, when addressing the fifth Limpopo Legislature in Polokwane, Premier Stan Mathabatha said the provincial government had set aside more than R5 million for the two kings this financial year, "so that they can discharge their responsibilities."
Mathabatha added that other challenges relating to the institution of traditional leadership, including the appointment of headmen and the establishment of traditional councils, were receiving the legislature's attention. "We have extended the term of the Kgatla Commission on Traditional Leadership Disputes and Claims by two more years to deal with the outstanding disputes and claims," said Mathabatha.
He added that, in December last year, the provincial government had purchased and delivered more than 100 vehicles to be used by senior traditional leaders in their tribal councils.
After receiving the information about the boost for the two kings in the province, Mphephu Ramabulana was over the moon. He said the funds were not for his personal use, but for developmental projects for the Vhavenda nation. "We hope that, through the funds, we will be able to deliver and change life for the better for our communities and some of the developmental plans and projects in the communities will now be implemented."