Minister Hlabisa Set to Meet CONTRALESA in Follow-Up Talks on Traditional Leaders’ Challenges

South Africa’s Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, is gearing up for a key follow-up session with the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA) tomorrow. The gathering, planned for Wednesday, 14 January 2026, at the Southern Sun hotel near OR Tambo International Airport in Gauteng, aims to dig deeper into pressing matters for traditional and Khoi-San leaders. This comes just weeks after a breakfast chat with President Cyril Ramaphosa, showing the government’s push to work hand-in-hand with these vital community figures.

In a country where traditional leaders play a big role in local life, from solving disputes to guiding development, this meeting highlights efforts to fix ongoing headaches like safety threats and funding shortages. With communities across provinces relying on these leaders for support, the talks could lead to real changes that boost governance and help everyday people. As South Africa works through its mix of modern and cultural ways, partnerships like this are key to building stronger, fairer systems for all.

Details of the Upcoming Meeting

The session kicks off on 14 January 2026 at the Southern Sun OR Tambo, a spot chosen for its easy access near Johannesburg’s main airport. Minister Hlabisa, who leads the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) department, will host the CONTRALESA team for what promises to be a detailed discussion. The focus? Picking up where the last talk left off, zeroing in on hurdles facing traditional and Khoi-San leaders and how they fit into the bigger picture of cooperative governance.

According to official notes, this isn’t just a quick catch-up—it’s about getting into the nitty-gritty of problems raised before. The ministry sees it as part of their steady work to build better ties with traditional groups and find team-based fixes for issues hitting communities hard. With leaders from various provinces likely in the room, expect honest chats on how to make things better on the ground.

Background on the December Breakfast Engagement

This follow-up stems from a working breakfast on 5 December 2025 at Mahlamba Ndlopfu, the President’s official home in Pretoria. President Ramaphosa hosted CONTRALESA’s national working committee, including big names like President Kgoshi Mathupa Mokoena and Secretary General Prince Zolani Mkiva. Minister Hlabisa was there too, along with other top officials like Police Minister Firoz Cachalia.

The meeting was all about putting the “national question” front and centre—things like unity, fairness, and sharing resources. CONTRALESA handed over a memo outlining their main worries, and the group talked through ways to strengthen traditional roles in today’s South Africa. It was seen as a fresh start, full of respect and shared goals, setting the stage for more action-oriented meets like tomorrow’s.

Key Issues Affecting Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership

At the heart of these talks are some tough challenges that traditional leaders face daily. Security tops the list—over 70 leaders have been killed since 2019, with cases like Chief Mhlabunzima Hlongwane in 2022 and an attempt on Inkosi Simphiwe Cele in May 2025. Leaders want better protection, like risk checks, bodyguards, and tighter links between local police and provinces. There’s also worry about the end of a special task team on political killings in 2024, now under review.

Then there’s governance and money matters. Traditional councils need direct funding, fair pay across provinces, and recognition as a “fourth tier” of government alongside national, provincial, and local levels. This would give them clear jobs, budgets, and ways to answer to the people. Leaders also push for perks like medical aid, pensions, and funds for projects such as fixing rural roads, adding power lines, and improving phone signals.

Land is another hot topic. Back in 2017, there was a call to hand communal land back to traditional authorities within six months. CONTRALESA wants this done properly, with clear records, timelines, and checks to stop misuse or splits. They see this as key to trusting institutions that hold community wealth and keeping things stable.

These issues touch on bigger themes like safety, fairness, and growth, especially in rural spots where traditional leaders are often the go-to for help with fights, land use, and social needs.

Strengthening Partnerships in Cooperative Governance

The ministry’s push here is all about teaming up better. Cooperative governance means national, provincial, local, and traditional levels working together without stepping on toes. By chatting with CONTRALESA, Hlabisa’s team aims to smooth out kinks and make sure traditional voices shape policies that affect millions.

This fits into wider government goals, like fixing local services and building trust after years of ups and downs. Traditional leaders, who know their communities inside out, can help spot problems early and roll out fixes that stick. The talks also nod to Khoi-San groups, often overlooked, ensuring their unique needs—like cultural recognition and leadership roles—get attention too.

In a diverse nation like South Africa, where customs blend with laws, these partnerships help bridge gaps and drive progress. From fighting crime to boosting jobs, traditional input can make a real difference in hard-hit areas.

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