[ Home ] [ Speeches & statements ]

Deputy President Zuma, together with the special cabinet committee, met with the Coalition of Traditional Leaders on the night of 30 November 2000.

The meeting resulted in a joint statement of intent which will be presented at Cabinet's next sitting.

In the Statement of Intent, government and traditional leaders acknowledged the parliamentary processes in place that would ensure the passing of the Local Government Structures Second Amendment bill by February 2001 - as a first step towards addressing the concerns of the traditional leaders.

Deputy President Zuma further assured traditional leaders of government's continuing commitment to guard against the erosion of the role of traditional leaders in South Africa.

The Statement of Intent was unanimously adopted.

The traditional leaders thanked Deputy President Zuma and President Mbeki for their commitment to resolve the matter. The meeting closed with a prayer for peaceful elections.

Contact person: Linda Makatini - 082 379 1125 (Legal Advisor to Deputy President Zuma)

Issued by: The Presidency, 30 November 2000
m<EOD>