“The launch of this establishment today is consistent with our commitment to bring government services closer to the people it serves. We expect this office to bring relief to members of the community who have always had difficulties in accessing government services and information.”

This was said by the newly appointed Premier of Limpopo, Mr Cassel Mathale, during the Mphephu Cultural Day celebrations and the official opening of the newly built Mphephu Traditional Council at Dzanani last Friday.

According to Mathale, “government believes that, with an infrastructural investments such as these, (it) plays a crucial role in building sustainable rural communities. Living in rural communities must never relegate one to a status of a second class. This is why government has ensured that these facilities are equipped with the necessary information technology connectivity, in order to ensure that we are able to bridge the division between rural and urban settings,” he said.

He added that cabinet had already decided to establish a Department of Traditional Leadership at national level and that it believes that this department will afford traditional leaders and rural communities the opportunity to shape the implementation of a rural development strategy.

“The government has already identified rural development, alongside education and better health care to be key priority areas for social delivery. We have done this because we believe that our people rightfully deserve better education, better health care, economic opportunities, good access roads, water and electricity in order to enjoy a better life,” said Mathale.

It was during this event that cultural groups such as malende, tshikona, tshikhaba, tshigombela and other traditional dances from various surrounding villages were performed. Community members from nearby villages flocked in numbers to attend this event.

The event was attended by, amongst others, the former premier of Gauteng and a national executive members of the ANC, Dr Mathole Motsekga, the deputy chairperson for the Limpopo traditional leaders, Khosi Vho Vusani Netshimbupfe, the director general of the Limpopo government, Dr Nelly Manzini and representatives from Vhembe Contralesa.

Khosikhulu Vho-Toni Mphephu Ramabulana said in his address during the event that the newly built traditional council offices will strengthen communication between government departments and the community. “As the Mphephu traditional council, we will always ensure that the new offices are well taken care of,” he said.

He added: “As we celebrate our culture and the opening of this important landmark today, we must look back with pride at the enormous achievements made by the traditional leaders and government.”