Identity, experience, and non-partisan
The institution of traditional chiefs and development in a rural local municipality in North West Province, South Africa
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 6030218 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Otshepeng Mazibuko (University of Pretoria), Thebe (0000-0003-1220-7458, University of Pretoria, corresponding author), Vusilizwe Thebe |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 23 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 683-695 |
| Publication date | 2025-07-03 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | African Identities (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1472-5843 • E-ISSN: 1472-5851 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/14725843.2024.2324101 |
| OpenAlex | W4392455670 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 9 |
This paper explores the place and role of chiefs and their institution in the governance and development of rural society in South Africa, using a case study of six tribal authorities in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality, North West Province. It examines whether chiefs have taken active development roles in their communities, and how they are perceived by society vis-à-vis community councillors. It argues that active roles and endorsement by the people are evidence of the significance of chiefs in the rural governance structures. In the studied tribal authorities, chiefs assumed central development roles, by initiating development projects, mobilizing stakeholders, and providing information to their people that ensured compliance with government COVID-19 regulations. While development and service delivery issues are the mandate of the community councillors and council, people saw the chiefs as best suited to spearhead development in their areas, because of their proximity to society and knowledge of their needs. The paper argues that the institution of the chiefs constitutes an accountable leadership that acts in the interests of all people, and chiefs should be incorporated in rural governance structures
Archaeology · Economic growth · Ethnology · Geography · Institution · Political science · Rural development · Socioeconomics · Sociology · African studies and sociopolitical issues · Gender Studies · Law · Legal Issues in South Africa · South African History and Culture
Traditional Authority Revisited
Local governance and poverty reduction in South Africa (I)
Traditional Leadership and Governance in Africa
One Chief, One Vote
Emergent Democracy and 'Resurgent' Tradition
Selected chiefs, elected councillors and hybrid democrats
Traditional, Democratic, Accountable? Navigating Citizen-Subjection in Rural South Africa
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |