The Councillor Induction Programme (CIP) run by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) is indeed a monumental milestone in our country's history. It comes against the backdrop of, and is testimony to, a very robust democratic local government election ever held since the advent of democracy in 1994. It also comes against the backdrop of South Africa having recently celebrated the 10th Anniversary of democratic local government in December 2010.
On May 18th 2011, yet another new chapter was scrolled in South Africa's story of a young unfolding democracy. The people of South Africa across race, class and gender, young and old, from urban to rural, came out in their multitudes, at times defiant of adverse weather conditions, to make but one bold and yet profound statement; "We are taking our future into our  own hands!!"
The Commission is tasked with the responsibility of restoring the dignity of traditional leaders and their communities by investigating and ensuring that the dignity of the institution of traditional leadership is restored. It also investigates all claims to any position of traditional leadership (King/Queen, Principal, Senior Traditional Leader and Headmen/women) including the disputes on boundaries of traditional councils.
Section 25 of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, 2003 (Act 41 of 2003) requires the Commission to investigate and make recommendations on cases where there is doubt as to whether a kingship, principal traditional leadership, senior traditional leadership and headmanship was established in accordance with customary law and customs. The Commission is required to operate in terms of the Commission's Act of 1947 in getting the information that will make it possible to arrive to an informed decision.
PRETORIA, 09 June 2011- The Ministry for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs' National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) is closely monitoring the local disaster management centres and the joint operating centres which have been activated in four provinces to manage the current flash floods to provide assistance to people who have been affected by the recent weather system.
"We are asking all communities, especially those in flood prone areas, to carefully monitor weather developments and take all the necessary precautions as threat of above normal rainfall still looms over some regions. The NDMC is in contact with provincial and local disaster management teams on the ground to monitor the situation and give support if the need arises," said DCoG Director- General Elroy Africa.