The Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, has emphasised the important role of traditional leaders in the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
In her address to the Forum of South African Majesties in Pretoria, the Deputy Minister said Their Majesties, as custodians of culture, customs, and community moral fibre, can challenge harmful cultural and patriarchal norms that perpetuate GBVF.
She said Their Majesties can also promote positive parenting and the protection of women, girls and persons with disabilities in rural and traditional communities, while also strengthening community-based prevention, reporting and support referral systems in partnership with Government’s GBVF National Strategic Plan.
In her presentation to Their Majesties, the Deputy Minister said traditional leaders can leverage traditional councils and courts as centres for justice, healing and accountability.
“The Deputy Minister welcomed the robust and constructive engagement with Their Majesties and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to institutionalise collaboration with the Forum of Majesties,” the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) said in a statement on Saturday.
New leadership
In addition, the Office of the Deputy Minister extended its congratulations to the Forum of South Africa’s Majesties on the appointment of its new leadership.
“In a historic moment for the institution, the Forum has appointed His Majesty King Mangaliso Ndamase as Chairperson and Her Majesty Queen Modjadji VII as Deputy Chairperson.
This appointment marks history as Queen Modjadji VII becomes the first Queen to serve in the leadership of the Forum of Majesties,” said the department.
The newly aligned leadership follows the passing of the Forum’s inaugural Chairperson, King Makhosoke II Mabena, who led the structure with distinction from its initial launch in October 2024 until mid-2026.
At the launch, King Ndamase was elected to serve as the inaugural Deputy Chairperson, and his elevation to Chairperson ensures continuity and stability.
“The Deputy Minister commends the Forum for this progressive and unifying leadership transition that reflects both continuity and transformation, and the growing recognition of women’s leadership within the institution of traditional leadership.
"The Deputy Minister looks forward to working with the new leadership under King Ndamase and Queen Modjadji VII in advancing the rights, dignity and safety of women, youth, and persons with disabilities, particularly in traditional communities,” said the department. -SAnews.gov.za
