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The country’s traditional leaders have received a sympathetic ear, and President Jacob Zuma says they will be afforded an opportunity to play a role in improving people's lives. He was speaking at the National House of Traditional Leaders in Pretoria today.

The issue at the meeting, attended by most of the country's royalty, was their role in developing communities under their rule. Budgets, poor relations with municipalities and consultation issues featured prominently.

"We cannot establish structures like houses of traditional leaders and traditional councils and expect them to render effective services to communities. I have instructed the Minister of Co-operative governance to assess the capacity of provinces to support traditional leadership," says Zuma.

Zuma said lack of co-operation between traditional councils and municipalities was a cause for concern. He said the government could not afford to overlook such an important matter.

He called for an urgent summit involving traditional councils and municipalities.