Leadership Course for Chiefs

The Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) is taking a proactive step to cultivate Fiji’s future traditional leaders by co-funding the Vanua Leadership Diploma, according to chairman, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula.

Ratu Viliame said the course was one of two key priorities identified since the GCC’s re-establishment last year.

This is to ensure the continuity and preparedness of leadership within Fiji’s traditional chiefly systems.

“In order to move forward, we need to develop the leadership – the leaders,” he said.

“Not only with the current crop of leaders, but the next generation as well.”

The initiative builds on ongoing efforts to restore and reinforce the indigenous leadership structure. One such effort has involved collaboration with the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs to fill vacant chiefly titles through the Native Lands Commission.

By February 2024, only 51 per cent of the 6209 chiefly titles had been filled. This number has since risen to about 85 per cent, according to Rt Viliame.

“With more titleholders now in place, the next phase involves leadership training tailored for those newly appointed leaders. It’s not something you get qualified for or apply for. It’s something you’re born into. And when your time comes, that is it.”

However, the Vanua Leadership Diploma shifts focus toward future leaders. A pilot project will soon begin with 30 selected young men and women to undergo formal leadership training.

Ratu Viliame said this would prepare them early for leadership in the traditional governance system.

“Instead of looking at current leaders, we need to start preparing those who will be taking up the mantle,” he said.

The council is expected to begin outreach and training programmes across Fiji in the coming months.

Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj