National House of Traditional Leaders NHTL Strategic Plan

National House of Traditional Leaders (NHTL): Strategic Plan 2011 – 2013 Presentation Select Committee: Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) 1 March 2011

Mandate of the NHTL • NHTL derives its mandate from the Constitution Act, 1996 and National House of Traditional Leaders Act, 2009 • The Constitution provides for the establishment of the House, determine powers, duties and responsibilities of the House, provide for support to the House by government, provide for the relationship between the House and the provincial houses, provide for the accountability of the House and provide for any other matters connected therewith – The Act provides that the NHTL may advice National Government and make recommendations related to policy and legislation regarding traditional leadership; the role of traditional leaders, customary law and the customs of communities observing customary law – The NHTL must form cooperative relations and partnerships with government at national level, institution of higher learning and other related institutions in development and service delivery

Mandate of the NHTL (Cont. ) Furthermore, section 11 of the ) of the National House of Traditional Leaders Act, 2009 (Act No. 23 of 2009). Act provides that the NHTL is responsible for : Indigenous knowledge systems, culture and values Provision of social cohesiveness Development of national policies and legislation jointly with key department on issues related to traditional Affairs, and to monitor, the implementation there-off Sharing information and build capacity to other traditional leaders other than in the house

Vision Statement Promote the development of the RURAL AND TRADITIONAL communities; Participate in legislative and policy processes; Ensure that the dignity of the institution of traditional leadership is restored, enhanced and preserved in the Republic South Africa(RSA) and globally; Develop programs to address its capacity related challenges; and Promote the preservation of African languages and cultures as in line with section 30 and 31 of the Constitution.

Strategic Priorities for 2011 - 2013 The NHTL will strive towards the achievement of the following key strategic priorities for the period under review. Improvement of the capacity and capability of the NHTL and Institution to deliver on its Mandate; Participation in Service delivery and Rural Development; Participation in legislative and policy development processes relating to traditional affairs; promoting custodianship of culture, customs, tradition and values by traditional leadership; and develop and implement a Communication and Marketing Strategy for the national House and Traditional leadership.

LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS Legislative amendments are underway to National House of Traditional Leaders Act and the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act be consolidated into a single Act to– • ensure an integrated approach in dealing with all matters involving traditional affairs; • ensure ease-of-use of the legislation affecting traditional affairs, which will capacitate practitioners, stakeholders, and traditional institutions to understand apply the legislation in an integrated manner; and • enhance the uniform manner in which traditional affairs matters are dealt with across Provinces.

LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS (Cont. ) The consolidated Bill will also address gaps and legal uncertainties identified in the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act and National House Act as follows: •

LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS (Cont. ) • In 2004 Cabinet resolved that the Department attend to the issue of the recognition of Khoi-San communities, leadership and structures. • Draft White Paper on Khoi-San communities, leadership and structures which was submitted to Cabinet in March 2009. • Cabinet directed that the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act be amended to provide for the recognition of traditional Khoi-San communities, leadership and structures. • Consolidated Bill will include the recognition of traditional Khoi-San communities, leadership and structures.

CURRENT PROJECTS • The NHTL participates in provincial assessment projects, assessing the state of governance within the areas of traditional affairs in all provinces excluding the Western Cape • Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, Free State, Eastern Cape, • • Gauteng and Limpopo provinces have been assessed. North West and Kwa-Zulu Natal provinces will be assessed during March 2011. Analysis and reports will be generated to assist the DTA and the NHTL to achieve on their mandate. Consider current partnerships and Mo. Us to achieve the strategic objectives of the NHTL Establish effective and efficient networks to strengthen capacity of the NHTL to deliver on its mandate.

PROPOSED INITIATIVES Informed by Traditional Affairs Model A Customs transmit culture – C Partnerships and Collaboration values – principles and ethics (Dynamic & evolve over time) Norms and standards – policy Culture not static, it evolves System Structures Establishment Support Political Economical Social Traditional Affairs Norms and standards policy IGR Consultation: • Partnerships • Coordination • etc D Governance and leadership on traditional affairs Traditional Systems and Structures B Regulatory/ normative behaviour framework

PROPOSED INITIATIVES Areas of Collaboration and Partnerships National House of Traditional Leaders Culture Ethics Customs Partners Religion Values Partners

PROPOSED INITIATIVES The NHTL will work with and through Provincial HTL to promote coherence and unity for a purpose. The following will receive attention during the period under review. Outreach Programmes - NHTL Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson to visit provinces for strategic interaction. Stakeholder Engagement – NHTL Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson plans a high level engagement with three (3) key stakeholders, National Working Committee, the Ruling Party at national level and SALGA. The engagement will provide a platform to share NHTL vision and to define the working relationship to deliver on the mandate. Consideration of Mo. Us – Need to re-visit existing Mo. Us with stakeholders.

PROPOSED INITIATIVES (Cont. ) Strategic Lekgotla with Provincial HTL – Consideration of plans, achievements, challenges, interventions and way forward. Summit – Arrange stakeholder Summit to build and strengthen traditional leadership as the custodian and champion of traditional affairs. Building of Institutional Integrity – Availability of tools of trade and appropriate resources. NHTL providing central and national coordination and strategic leadership.

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