QWAQWA – Traditional leaders have called for greater recognition and meaningful participation in municipal decision-making, saying education and governance skills are essential for their voices to be heard.
The call came during the graduation of representatives from four Free State royal houses who completed financial management and governance short courses offered by the University of the Free State (UFS) through its Kovsie Phahamisa Academy at the Qwaqwa Campus on Monday, 9 November 2026.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Headman Ernest Moloi, 60, of the Makholokoe Traditional Council said the programmes were about more than certificates.
“The main purpose of these programmes is to upskill us. What we must now do is go and contribute our knowledge systems in our councils,” he said.
Moloi said traditional leaders’ ideas were often suppressed in organisations, creating what he called an “organisational graveyard” where there is no room for growth and participation.
He urged traditional leaders to familiarise themselves with the White Paper on Traditional Leadership and Governance and use the law to participate in municipal decision-making.
“We need to be part of decision-making in municipalities, not just be spectators. The law allows us to participate,” he said.
Mofumahadi Vuyelwa Tsotetsi, 59, of the Batlokoa ba Tsotetsi in Phumelela, encouraged women and young people to embrace education.
“You are never too old to get an education. I encourage young people and women not to be afraid to go back to school,” she said.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of COGTA Deputy Director-General Anna Buthelezi, Free State House of Traditional Leaders secretary Motsamai Mokoena challenged the graduates to turn knowledge into action.
“Knowing is not enough; we must do, and being willing is not enough; we must practise,” he said, quoting Leonardo da Vinci.
The graduates completed the Financial Management and Cost Accounting and Introduction to Transformative Governance programmes.
They represented the Bakoena ba Mopeli Royal House in Namahadi, Batlokwa ba Mota Royal House in Tsheseng, Makholokoe Royal House in Makholokoeng, Harrismith, and Batlokwa ba Mokgalong Royal House in Vrede.
The initiative forms part of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between UFS and the four royal houses in 2024, focusing on education, training, research and local development.
UFS Qwaqwa Campus Principal Prof Prince Ngobeni said equipping traditional leaders with knowledge and practical skills was important for responsible resource management, informed decision-making and sustainable community development.
