The Northern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs has dismissed reports regarding traditional leadership disputes in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District on Thursday, July 16. 

The department says the delegation referred to in a recent media report is not a recognised traditional leadership structure, although its concerns have been acknowledged through the appropriate administrative processes. 

Department communication officer Babalwa Mzambo says the Commission of Inquiry into Traditional Leadership Disputes and Claims operates independently and without interference from the provincial gernment. 

Mzambo says that the identification of traditional leaders remains the responsibility of the relevant Royal Council in accordance with customary law, with government only verifying compliance before considering formal recognition.