Commission of Inquiry Into Traditional Leadership Disputes And Claims

16/07/2026

MEDIA RESPONSE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TO: ALL MEDIA HOUSES

DATE: 16 JULY 2026

COGHSTA RESPONDS TO MEDIA REPORT ON COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO TRADITIONAL LEADERSHIP DISPUTES

The Northern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) has noted the media report published by the Kathu Gazette regarding concerns raised by a delegation on matters relating to traditional leadership in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District.
The Department wishes to clarify that the delegation referred to in the report does not constitute a recognised traditional leadership structure or chieftaincy. While every individual or group has the constitutional right to raise concerns with government, this should not be construed as representing a recognised traditional leadership institution.
With regard to the delegation's reported visit to Kimberley, the Department confirms that officials received the group's correspondence. However, no prior appointment had been scheduled with either the Premier or the MEC. The concerns submitted were acknowledged and will be dealt with through the appropriate administrative and legislative processes where applicable.
The Department further wishes to clarify that the Commission of Inquiry into Traditional Leadership Disputes and Claims was established by Premier Dr Zamani Saul in accordance with applicable legislation to independently investigate disputes and claims relating to traditional leadership in the Northern Cape and to make recommendations to the Premier.
The Commission operates independently and is guided by its Terms of Reference, applicable legislation, and the principles of procedural fairness, impartiality and administrative justice. Neither the Premier, the MEC nor the Department interfere with the Commission's investigations, deliberations or recommendations.
Government also wishes to reiterate that it does not interfere in the customary processes through which traditional leaders are identified. The identification of a Kgosi, Deputy Kgosi, Headman, Headwoman or Regent is the responsibility of the
relevant Royal Council, acting in accordance with customary law, customs and the practices of the ruling family.

Government recognises that matters relating to succession are highly sensitive and are primarily determined within the customary structures of the affected traditional community.

In terms of customary law, the Royal Council is a fundamental institution comprising the senior members of the ruling family. It is entrusted with preserving the customs, traditions and succession practices of the traditional community and is responsible for identifying a suitable successor in accordance with customary law. To ensure the legitimacy of succession decisions, all relevant senior family members or their duly mandated representatives should participate in these deliberations.

Although the Royal Council is not a structure of government, government recognises and respects its customary authority in matters relating to the identification of traditional leaders. Once the Royal Council has concluded its customary processes and submits a recommendation for recognition, government's role is to verify that the customary and legislative requirements have been complied with before any recognition is considered in terms of the applicable legislation.

The Department acknowledges that traditional leadership disputes are often complex and deeply rooted in the history, customs and traditions of affected communities. For this reason, the Commission will provide an opportunity for recognised traditional leadership structures, affected parties, claimants and other relevant stakeholders to participate in its processes in accordance with its approved procedures.

It is therefore incorrect to suggest that the Commission has predetermined its findings or that it has been established to favour any individual or group. The Commission has been constituted specifically to conduct an objective, credible and transparent inquiry into all matters placed before it.

The Department also notes concerns regarding public participation. The Commission will communicate its programme of work and public consultation processes at the appropriate time to ensure that affected stakeholders are adequately informed and afforded an opportunity to participate.

CoGHSTA appeals to all stakeholders to allow the Commission to execute its mandate without speculation or interference. Public confidence in the process will be strengthened through respect for due process, cooperation and reliance on verified facts.

The Department remains committed to upholding the integrity of traditional leadership institutions, respecting customary law, and ensuring that all disputes and claims are addressed lawfully, fairly, independently and transparently.

ENDS
For Media Enquiries Contact:

Ms. Babalwa M. Mzambo
Head of Communications
Cell: 083 390 1976
Email: [email protected]

Or

Mr. Tebogo Monyo
Media Liaison Officer
Cell:060 376 7515
Email:[email protected] Part 8

18/06/2026

The Commission of Inquiry into Disputes on Traditional Leadership remains committed to promoting fair, transparent and evidence-based resolution of traditional leadership disputes in the Northern Cape.
Communities, traditional leaders and interested stakeholders are encouraged to learn more about the Commission, its mandate, processes and submission procedures by visiting the Commission webpage.
Together, we can preserve the dignity, integrity and legitimacy of traditional leadership institutions for present and future generations.

🌐 Visit: www.coghsta.ncpg.gov.za
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Enquiries: 082 304 8225

Please see link for the claim form: http://www.coghsta.ncpg.gov.za/index.php/programmes/programme-4-traditional-affairs/commission

Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs

11/06/2026

INAUGURAL ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO DISPUTES ON TRADITIONAL LEADERSHIP AND THE NORTHERN CAPE PROVINCIAL HOUSE OF TRADITIONAL AND KHOISAN LEADERS

The inaugural engagement between the Commission of Inquiry into Disputes on Traditional Leadership and the Northern Cape Provincial House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders served as an important platform to establish a working relationship between the Commission and traditional leadership structures in the province.

The meeting provided an opportunity for members of the Provincial and Local Houses of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders to introduce themselves and their respective communities. The introductions highlighted the close historical, cultural and familial ties that exist among traditional leaders and communities throughout the Northern Cape.

Mandate and Role of the Commission
The Commission outlined its mandate and emphasised the importance of cooperation between traditional leaders, affected communities and government institutions. Stakeholders were encouraged to actively participate in the Commission's processes by making submissions and providing relevant information to assist with investigations.

The Commission stressed that its role differs significantly from that of a court of law. While courts primarily determine legal rights based on evidence and legal procedure, the Commission adopts a broader investigative approach that incorporates historical inquiry, customary law, oral history, community perspectives and cultural context.

The Commission indicated that its purpose is not merely to adjudicate competing claims, but to understand the historical origins and development of traditional leadership disputes. Historical events, customary governance systems, traditions and community experiences will therefore form an important part of the Commission's investigations.

Traditional leaders were encouraged to provide comprehensive historical information and contextual background that may not ordinarily be considered in formal court proceedings. The Commission explained that it would employ an inquisitorial and investigative approach aimed at establishing a fair and informed understanding of traditional leadership matters before making recommendations based on all available evidence and historical records.

Duration of the Commission
The Commission clarified that it has been allocated a period of 24 months within which to complete its work. It was explained that this period commences from the date on which the Commission formally begins its operations and not from the date of its appointment.

The delayed commencement of the Commission's work was attributed to administrative and logistical processes necessary to establish its operations. As a result, the full 24-month period remains available to enable the Commission to receive submissions, conduct investigations, hold hearings where necessary and compile its findings and recommendations.

Jurisdiction and Previously Determined Matters
The Commission explained that disputes currently before a court may not be appropriate for consideration while litigation remains pending. Parties will therefore be required to disclose any related court proceedings to enable the Commission to determine whether it has jurisdiction to entertain a matter.

Similarly, matters that have already been finally adjudicated or investigated by previous commissions may be subject to legal principles that limit their reconsideration. The Commission emphasised that it will operate within established legal principles and will not act in a manner that conflicts with ongoing judicial proceedings or decisions already subject to legal processes.

The Commission further explained that where preliminary issues such as jurisdiction arise, these may be dealt with separately before a matter proceeds to a full hearing. This approach promotes efficiency and avoids unnecessary expenditure of time and resources on matters that may ultimately fall outside the Commission's mandate.

Terms of Reference
Commissioners emphasised that the Commission's work is strictly governed by its approved Terms of Reference, which define both its mandate and the limits of its authority.

The Terms of Reference serve as the primary framework governing all aspects of the Commission's operations and decision-making. The Commission therefore cannot act outside the powers expressly granted to it.

In response to questions regarding legal costs, it was clarified that the Terms of Reference do not empower the Commission to award costs against any party. Consequently, the Commission does not have the authority to order one party to pay the legal costs of another.

Traditional leaders were encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Terms of Reference and related submission forms. It was proposed that copies of these documents be shared with traditional leaders to assist them in understanding the Commission's mandate, procedures and operational framework.

Legal Representation and Evidence
The Commission confirmed that parties appearing before it may be represented during proceedings. It acknowledged that many individuals and communities may require assistance in presenting their cases and understanding the Commission's procedures.

The Commission further noted that attorneys and advocates appearing before it remain subject to professional regulation, ethical standards and disciplinary processes administered by the relevant professional bodies. Legal representatives are expected to conduct themselves professionally and assist the Commission in the fair and orderly determination of disputes.

The Commission also explained that all evidence presented before it will be assessed according to its relevance, reliability and probative value. Affidavits, oral testimony, historical records and documentary evidence will be evaluated collectively, with no single piece of evidence automatically accepted as determinative.

Status of Commission Reports
In response to questions regarding previous commissions and their findings, it was explained that commissions are established for a specific purpose and duration. Once a commission has completed its mandate and submitted its report, its work comes to an end and the report stands as the official record of its findings and recommendations.

The Commission noted that commissioners do not remain in office indefinitely after the submission of a report. Any challenge to the findings or recommendations of a commission must therefore be pursued through the appropriate legal and administrative processes rather than through continued engagement with commissioners whose mandate has expired.

The engagement marked an important first step in fostering cooperation between the Commission and traditional leadership structures in the Northern Cape. Participants expressed support for a transparent, fair and inclusive process that will enable the Commission to fulfil its mandate effectively and contribute towards the resolution of traditional leadership disputes in accordance with the Constitution, applicable legislation, customary law and historical evidence.

11/06/2026

MEDIA STATEMENT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TO: ALL MEDIA HOUSES
DATE: 11 JUNE 2026

COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO DISPUTES ON TRADITIONAL LEADERSHIP COMMENCES ITS WORK

The Northern Cape Provincial Government wishes to inform the public that the Commission of Inquiry into Disputes on Traditional Leadership has officially commenced its work following the appointment of Commissioners by Premier Dr Zamani Saul on 14 April 2025. The Commission was established in terms of applicable provincial legislation governing traditional leadership matters to investigate and make findings on
disputes and claims relating to traditional leadership institutions in the Northern Cape Province.

The Commission has been mandated to receive, investigate and evaluate disputes concerning traditional leadership positions, succession, recognition and related customary law matters. Through its work, the Commission seeks to contribute towards the resolution of longstanding disputes and the strengthening of
traditional leadership institutions across the province.

Although the Commissioners were appointed during April 2025, the commencement of the Commission's work was delayed due to administrative and operational processes required to establish the Commission and its
Secretariat, secure the necessary resources, finalise operational arrangements and ensure that the Commission is able to execute its mandate effectively and in accordance with the law.

The Commission has been granted a period of 24 months to undertake its work. This period commences from the date on which the Commission formally begins its operations and not from the date of its appointment. The
timeframe will allow the Commission to thoroughly investigate disputes, receive submissions and make informed recommendations.

The Commission is now ready to receive submissions and encourages all affected traditional communities, royal families, interested parties and members of the public to participate in this process. Their contributions will
assist the Commission in establishing a comprehensive and accurate record of matters before it, promote fairness and transparency, and support outcomes that contribute to certainty, stability, social cohesion and the
strengthening of traditional leadership institutions within affected communities.

Application forms may be accessed on the CoGHSTA website: www.coghsta.ncpg.gov.za or requested via email ([email protected] ). Hard copies will be availed at the CoGHSTA JTG Regional Office and JTG District Municipality

Submissions may be delivered by hand, registered mail or email to:
By Hand (John Taolo Gaetsewe District)

The Secretary: Mr Manapele Caleb Modisa
Commission on Traditional Leadership Disputes and Claims 489 Tsineng Road
COGHSTA District Office
Kuruman
8460

Registered Mail
The Secretary: Mr Manapele Caleb Modisa
Commission on Traditional Leadership Disputes and Claims
Larry Moleko Louw Building
9 Cecil Sussman Road
Private Bag X5005
Kimberley
8300

By Hand (Kimberley Office)
The Secretary: Mr Manapele Caleb Modisa
Commission on Traditional Leadership Disputes and Claims

BP Jones Building
34–44 Dunne Street
Kimberley
8300

Submissions may also be sent electronically to the Commission's official email address:
[email protected]

The closing date for applications is 30 September 2026. Applications lodged after the closing date will not be accepted by the Commission.

Further announcements regarding public hearings and stakeholder engagements will be communicated in due
course.

END.

Enquiries:
Mr Manapele Caleb Modisa
Secretary to the Commission
[email protected]
082 304 8225

Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs

10/06/2026

Commission of Inquiry Meets Principal Traditional Leadership

The Commission of Inquiry into Disputes on Traditional Leadership today convenes its inaugural meeting with a delegation from the Northern Cape Provincial House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, led by Kgosi Pelonomi Toto, together with representatives of the Local House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders.

This important engagement marks a significant step towards addressing traditional leadership disputes, strengthening customary governance, and advancing the recognition and development of Traditional and Khoisan leadership institutions in the Northern Cape.