The role of traditional leadership in democratic governance

[摘要] One of the challenges of the post-apartheid South African democracy is the incorporation of anold age institution of traditional leadership into democracy that seems to be in contrast to itsprinciples. From the dawn of democracy, South Africa has been carrying this unresolved burdenof ensuring that the institution of traditional leadership being part of new political dispensation.However, those against traditional leadership having a role to play in democracy have citedseveral concerns which are valid to an extent. These include the institution being aristocraticand chauvinistic in its treatment of women. In addition, they highlights that unlike in democracy,the ascendancy into its leadership is being flawed with discrepancies. Yet, the institution is inthe heart of many who value culture and tradition. in ·the process, it carries an appetizingconstituency for the political parties who intend to win its favour towards votes.The post-apartheid era, therefore, has been attempting to incorporate such an institution. One ofthe justifications has been, democracy has to find a way of making a compromise not toundermine nor alienate an institution that has a pre-colonial history, survived the onslaught ofcolonialism and apartheid, which people still embrace it. In the process, legislations have beenpassed including adopting a legal pluralist constitution. Yet, despite all the implementedlegislations, traditional leadership has remained an impasse mainly because none clearly definean active and tangible role that traditional leadership has on democracy. This has broughtconfusion and doubt as to whether traditional leadership indeed can participate in democracy. Inthe light of such quandary, studies have been made in an attempt to resolve the ~ole oftraditional leadership in democracy. Despite numerous recommendations towards incorporatingtraditional leadership in democracy, the government has been cautiously and at timesreluctantly taking such suggestions. The main reason being that South African Constitution hasheaped praises as being the most progressive.Any amendments, therefore, are frowned at as posing a threat to the image created. Even then,there is no denying of the power that traditional leaders have to a formidable part of SouthAfrican society.Therefore, it is important to find a way of ensuring that democracy does not exclude thesecommunities. Moreover, in the light of service delivery, development and good governance,traditional leadership has to be equipped to ensure that it doesn't contravene nor hinder thebenefits of democratic dispensation.Therefore, the study intends to address the crucial concerns while forging a direction of trulyidentifying the role of traditional leadership in democracy. The reservations of the puredemocracy advocates are objectively assessed and addressed. On the other side, traditionalleadership is being analyzed to identify if there is a breakthrough towards having a clear role indemocracy.

[发布机构] University of the Free State