ABSTRACT
The question whether traditional institutions of governance and modern ones can be reconciled is highly relevant to South Africa, as the country wrestles with the legacy of apartheid which recognized traditional leadership in the bantustans only. The background of the apartheid legacy and the current constitutional and legislative context is important to understand the intense debates around traditional leadership in South Africa. This chapter offers an analysis of a survey in two traditional communities in Giyani (Limpopo Province) and Matatiele (Eastern Cape Province). Some legislation following from the Constitution has strengthened the position of traditional leaders, especially the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act. The state has established a separate national Department of Traditional Affairs (DTA), although it is a twin department with the Department of Cooperative Governance, which is responsible for policy, legislation, and regulation of local government. Research confirms at least two trends in the attitudes of traditional communities towards traditional institutions of governance.
