MEDIA RELEASE

11 May 2007

News Editors

NEW MEMBERS OF MPUMALANGA HOUSE OF TRADITIONAL LEADERS

Today saw the election of new members of Mpumalanga House of Traditional Leaders at the Legislature Chambers in Nelspruit. The gallery was full to capacity of excited people who came to witness the traditional leaders taking their rightful place in the governance of the province.

The new members took the oath to be faithful to the Republic, abide by the Constitution and all the laws of the Republic of South Africa and to serve the interests of the people of the Province to the best of their ability. Once again, this effort showed confidence and the strengthening of the democratic system of government in South Africa.

According to the electoral system, each of the three Districts (Nkangala, Gert Sibande and Ehlanzeni ) of Mpumalanga Province has to elect seven members to the House. As a result twenty-one members were elected to the House.

Inkosi Mzingeli David Mthethwa was re-elected unopposed as chair of the House. Kgošigadi Anastacia Senape Mohlala was re-elected as Deputy Chairperson after a tie between herself and Inkosi Sipho Etwell Mahlangu forced the Chairperson to exercise his deciding vote. Each of the three districts then elected a representative to serve as member of executive committee to complement the two office bearers.

Finally, the House chose three members, that is, Inkosi Joseph Nhlapho, Inkosi Evah Smangele Mkhatshwa and Ikosi Sipho Etwell Mahlangu to represent Mpumalanga House of Traditional Leaders in the National House of Traditional Leaders. Again, each District was allowed to choose a representative in this case.

Enquiries: Mokope Taiwe +27 13 766 2288 / 082 802 8460

Issued by the Office of the Premier

Mpumalanga Provincial Government