Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma on Monday told traditional leaders in Boksburg that land claims have to be conducted in a fair manner.
"It is the duty of our people to lodge land claims where there is proof, not all of South Africa," he said.
A confident Zuma arrived at the Birchwood Hotel in a jovial mood greeting everyone.
This comes hours after a motion of no confidence bid against him failed yet again during an ANC national executive meeting in Irene, Pretoria at the weekend.
Zuma's loyalists thrashed and outnumbered votes pro the motion that was tabled by NEC member Joel Netshithenzhe and seconded by several others.
In his address at the inaugural Traditional Leaders Indaba, he told those at the gathering it was important that traditional affairs were enshrined in the country's Constitution.
He said while programs have been put in place, economic transformation is slow, adding black people are still behind.
He also said:"You can't claim land and continue in poverty, when the land is there."
President Jacob Zuma has a brief chat with Minister Lindiwe Zulu before leaving. His guards prevent any questions from media @IOL #Cogta pic.twitter.com/KnQ4UOS0WM
— Noni Mokati (@Noni_M2) May 29, 2017
He said the formation of legal land firms was important to mitigate any challenges communities face.
He also warned that government rejects land grabs saying it was not the way to address land restitution in the country.
Meanwhile, minister of Corporate Governance and Traditional Affairs Des Van Rooyen paid homage to Zuma saying he had gone through the struggle and presented hope to the masses.
Zuma tells leaders that the local House of traditional leaders must continue with establishment of SADC house of traditional leaders @IOL pic.twitter.com/ns996cbtYv
— Noni Mokati (@Noni_M2) May 29, 2017
"He's President who will be remembered for bring hope to masses," he said.
He said since his inauguration Zuma has ensured traditional matters are prioritised by government.
Van Rooyen who has been linked as having close relations with the Guptas, after Sunday reports revealed that he was financially aided by the controversial family for a trip to Dubai, has since chosen to remain silent on the so-called 'Gupta E-mail' scandal citing the matter as subjudice.
In turn, Zuma told traditional leaders that Van Rooyen is a man who wants to deliver.
"He thrives on engagement. He is here. Take advantage of him," he said.
Those in attendance included Small Business Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu, Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane and South African Local Governmnent Association President Parks Tau.
The Indaba wraps up on Friday.