MTHATHA - Traditional leader Nkosi Khethizulu Bacela has said it is unfortunate that government only visits them during election times.
"That pains us because it feels like we are being used for elections, to get votes," he said.
"We need to see them often enough and be able to communicate and share ideas between government and traditional on ways to help," he added.
Bacela was talking during Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni's visit to Mthatha in the Eastern Cape.
The Minister and her department visited the rural community as part of Mandela Day celebrations.
On what would have been the late statesman's 108th birthday this year, Ndabeni said the day should be preserved for generations to come.
Ndabeni said it was important that the department empower rural entrepreneurs.
"If you look at the offices, they are found in town," said Ndabeni.
"We are promoting rural economic development, so we are taking it closer to the rural area," she said.
Bacela said government must follow Madiba’s example by caring for communities in need.