By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – The Free State government has handed over luxury BMW vehicles worth an estimated R1.5 million to senior traditional leaders in QwaQwa, in a move it says is aimed at restoring dignity and strengthening the role of traditional authority.
Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements MEC Saki Mokoena officially delivered a BMW 520d to Bokoena principal traditional leader Morena Moremoholo Motebang Mopeli on Tuesday, alongside a similar vehicle for another senior leader, Morena Mota.
Mokoena said the handover fulfils a government commitment to equip recognised traditional leaders with the necessary tools to carry out their responsibilities.
“This is about ensuring our traditional leaders have the mobility and resources required to serve their communities effectively,” he said.
The latest handover follows previous government support, including the provision of bakkies to traditional councils and BMW X3 vehicles to traditional leaders across the province.
Mokoena described principal traditional leaders as “the kings of this province”, adding that government was determined to restore their status and authority.
“We are working to bring back respect, dignity and recognition for their majesties by all means possible,” he said.
He announced that government will, in the current financial year, construct official palaces for both principal traditional leaders, funded directly through the department’s budget.
“Support to traditional leadership is not optional – it is our core mandate. Traditional leaders are not an add-on in governance; they are central to it,” Mokoena said.
Further plans include the provision of security protection services and the installation of blue lights on the newly delivered vehicles.
The provincial government is also looking to benchmark its approach against the North West province, particularly on programmes that integrate traditional leadership into economic development and community empowerment initiatives.
