Limpopo Premier held Engagements with Traditional Leadership

Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba held the Engagements with Traditional Leadership during the glittering gala dinner at The Ranch Hotel and Resorts outside Polokwane, Capricorn District on Friday 30 0ctober 2026.

Premier Dr. Ramathuba was accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Mr. Njabulo Nzuza, Speaker of Limpopo Legislature Dr. Makoma Makhurupetje, MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development Mr. Basikopo Makamu and Acting Executive Mayor of Polokwane Municipality Cllr Joosuf Pemma.

The engagement with Traditional Leadership sought to recognize and appreciate the invaluable role played by traditional leaders in promoting rural development and strengthening communities in Limpopo.

Premier Ramathuba highlighted the significance of a united and collaborative partnership between government and traditional leadership in advancing sustainable rural development and improving the quality of life in all communities across the province.

For many years, funds held in the Traditional Levies and Trust Accounts remained unpaid to their rightful beneficiaries and this unfortunate delay was the result of complex historical and administrative legacies dating back to the former homelands of Lebowa, Gazankulu, and Venda prior to the democratic South Africa.

Those funds represent the genuine sacrifices, contributions and aspirations of communities who invested in their own self-reliance and the future of their children and contributors did so believing their resources would serve communities.

Premier Dr. Ramathuba said the democratic administration should carry the sacred responsibility to protect and honor that trust.

“Today, I am proud to announce that the 7th Administration of Limpopo has reached the final stage of a comprehensive verification, audit and allocation process. Following an extensive review and the implementation of a rigorous audit action plan, a total of R30.7 million in accumulated interest is being disbursed to Traditional Councils across Limpopo today, fulfilling the undertaking we made during our recent dialogue.” Dr. Ramathuba committed

Government has verified and approved outstanding claims for Traditional Councils under Bushbuckridge, which historically belonged to Limpopo before boundary changes placed it in Mpumalanga.

Following joint verification, the approved amount totaling R1.13 million, is also being settled.

“Combined, these pay-outs amount to R31.85 million. This is far more than a mere financial transaction; it is a profound demonstration of accountable governance, mutual institutional respect, and honor for traditional leadership. Every calculation was rigorously reviewed because public trust is built solely through absolute transparency and integrity.” Dr. Ramathuba added

These funds will greatly strengthen traditional institutions, advance community interests, improve local governance, and drive socio-economic development across our rural villages.

Dr. Ramathuba further encouraged traditional leaders to actively participate in rural development initiatives, particularly those implemented through the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

In his message of support, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Nzuza, congratulated the Limpopo Provincial Government on its efforts to strengthen communities, particularly in rural areas, through peace interventions and by prioritizing the needs of the people of Limpopo.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Limpopo House of Traditional Leaders Hosi Pheni Ngove expressed his appreciation to the provincial government for its continued engagement with traditional leadership and its commitment to advancing rural development across the province.