Traditional leaders in Vhembe are appealing to the government to help them with benefits like vehicle and cellphone allowances and better salaries.

This emerged during a consultative meeting between the House of Traditional Leaders in Vhembe and the Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta), held at Mhinga village last Wednesday.

Instead of getting uniformed white Nissan double cab bakkies, traditional leaders said it would be good if they were given an opportunity to choose cars of their choice, like other public servants. Others suggested their salaries should be improved to meet the economic demands. Some complained about the denuding of land and soil erosion caused by people who sell sand.  They also asked the government to provide rangers who will be able to make arrests in such cases.

Deputy Chairperson Eric Chauke said traditional leaders who were working should delegate an acting person who would be responsible for the affairs of traditional leadership in such areas. He also encouraged traditional leaders to make sure that they appoint knowledgeable people to run initiation schools. This will avoid unnecessary deaths, he said.

Cllr Masindi Manyuha from Vhembe District Municipality said he was happy about the good working relationship between councilors and traditional leaders in Vhembe. He said this should improve for the benefit of community. Manyuha also urged traditional leaders to be involved in development happening in their areas.