The Dynamics of Councillor Versus Traditional Leadership in South African Local Government: A Study of Understanding, Attitudes and Perceptions

South Africa is culturally diverse and strives to promote the inclusion of all citizenry in governance. The participation of traditional leaders in municipal councils is facilitated in terms of Section 81 of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act (Act No. 117 of 1998). Since the promulgation of this national Act, there is a dearth of research and/or best practice models relative to implementation of Section 81. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) undertook a study to explore the understanding, attitudes and perceptions in implementing Section 81 among traditional leaders and municipalities. Both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were utilised, and selected participants were municipal representatives and traditional leaders whose names were gazetted to participate in municipalities. The study revealed gaps and challenges in understanding the roles and responsibilities among traditional leaders. Traditional leaders felt limited by legislation on issues of voting and representation and saw no benefit for their communities due to not being given the opportunity to express views and being excluded from council decisions impacting on their communities. Municipalities had adequate knowledge and understanding of Section 81 but had negative attitudes and perceptions to facilitate the process. The study recommended for COGTA to coordinate and strengthen information sharing and capacity building platforms for traditional leaders and enhance relationships between the two parties. The development of a provincial framework for determining out-of-pocket expenses as well as policies on the provision of tools of trades for traditional leaders was recommended.