Perceptions of South Africans on traditional leadership: a case of Limpopo Province. Issue 4 (1st October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Musitha, Mavhungu Elias
• Is Part Of: African identities. Volume 18:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 450
• Page End: 465
• Publication Date: 2020-10-01
• Subjects: Traditional leadership -- citizens -- subjects -- loyalty -- policy participation; National characteristics, African -- Periodicals; Africans -- Periodicals; African diaspora -- Periodicals; Africa -- Civilization -- Periodicals; 305.896
• DOI: 10.1080/14725843.2020.1777840
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-5843

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The institution of traditional leadership was recognized by the constitution of the Republic of South Africa. The debate about its relevance has been going on even before South Africa gained independence. The study investigated the perceptions of South Africans on the institution of traditional leadership. This study adopted qualitative and quantitative designs using literature review and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to obtain secondary and primary data respectively. The study has shown that even at the time when others opposed its existence, it enjoys support from the rural people. It has also shown that this institution should co-exist formally with the elected government to complement the latter in policy implementation to speed up service delivery. It finally showed that this institution is still relevant in the African politics. Therefore, the constitution should be amended to allow this institution to operate side by side with the elected government. This will enable them to take their needs to the municipal council for tabling and decisions as they are popular to existing councillors. This mechanism of decentralisation has to be implemented if the elected government is to survive.