Traditional Leaders in Purgatory Local Government in Tsolo, Qumbu and Port St. Johns, 1990-2000

The author shares personal observations, from working in Tsolo/Qumbu as an official of the Eastern Cape government, on the effect that the uncertain transition in government has had on the traditional leaders of that area. Under apartheid, the traditional leaders had autocratic powers, yet now they...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:African studies (Johannesburg) Vol. 59; no. 1; pp. 98 - 114
Main Author: Peires, Jeff B
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: 01.07.2000
Subjects:
Factionalism
Leadership
Local Government
Local Politics
Political Change
Political Power
Political Violence
South Africa
Traditionalism
ISSN:0002-0184
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:The author shares personal observations, from working in Tsolo/Qumbu as an official of the Eastern Cape government, on the effect that the uncertain transition in government has had on the traditional leaders of that area. Under apartheid, the traditional leaders had autocratic powers, yet now they face unprecedented challenges as their accustomed power base is being reduced. In the districts of Tsolo & Qumbo, factional violence through criminal organizations led to the death of about a thousand people in the 1990s. A new rural government system was introduced in 1995. The history of the violence within the province is described, the reaction of traditional leaders to this challenge is considered, & the relationships between the traditional leaders & the elected councilors are recorded. The author concludes that although the power of traditional leaders in the former Transkei has deteriorated, the long-term prospects for their continued role in the Eastern Cape is good. They hold a traditional legitimacy & a physical presence in every administrative area. Planners can use their influence to aid in stabilizing the rural areas, but must change the administrative usages that came from oppressive colonial legislation. 6 References. L. A. Hoffman
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ISSN:0002-0184