(Amakhosi) in the Democratic South Africa with a Specific Focus on Those Falling Under Ingonyama Trust: a Case Study of Ugu District Municipality
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UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL The Roles and Functions of Traditional Leaders (Amakhosi) in the Democratic South Africa with a Specific Focus on Those Falling Under Ingonyama Trust: A Case Study of Ugu District Municipality By Malusi Kenneth Luthuli 209519213 Submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Masters of Social Science in Political Science in the College of Humanities, School of Social Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, Durban, South Africa. Supervised by Dr Bheki R. Mngomezulu September 2015 I Declaration I, Malusi Kenneth Luthuli, know that plagiarism is to use another’s work and present it as my own, and that this is a criminal offence. I do declare that each significant contribution to and quotation in this dissertation from the work(s) of other people has/have been attributed and has/has been cited as such. I do declare that this thesis is my own work. I have not allowed, and will not allow, anyone to copy my work with the intention of passing it off as their own work. ___________________________________ ___________________________________ Signature of Candidate Date As the candidate's Supervisor I have approved this dissertation for submission: ___________________________________ ___________________________________ Dr Bheki R. Mngomezulu Date II Abstract The institution of traditional leadership remains one of the hotly contested topics in post- apartheid South Africa. This is despite the fact that Chapter 12 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa accords this institution status under the new political dispensation. What seems to be the bone of contention is the role traditional leaders should play in the present context. The roles and functions of amakhosi have been in constant flux, being redefined by different stages of history, from colonialism to apartheid and once again in the democratic South Africa. As such, amakhosi remain part of the present governance system. This study was guided by several aims which included but were not limited to: establish and articulate the roles and functions of amakhosi in post-apartheid South Africa and local governance, with a specific focus on amakhosi falling under Ingonyama Trust; evaluate the adequacy of resources allocated to amakhosi for achieving their directive; parallel legal requirements with work taking place at grassroots level; as well as compare and contrast the mandate of amakhosi against that of democratically elected councillors focusing particularly on those who fall under Ingonyama Trust. Empirical research using questionnaires and interviews was conducted in the Ugu District Municipality. The findings revealed inter alia that the roles and functions of amakhosi have been in constant flux over a lengthy period of time. As such, amakhosi and their traditional leadership supporting structures have had to constantly evolve to pass the bar. Another finding was that amakhosi are still accorded status and relevance in society but need to be provided financial resources for them to be more effective. Lastly, the study revealed that at times amakhosi and elected councillors compete for supremacy. It is therefore recommended that further legislation is needed to ensure that these two leadership structures work in harmony to ensure community development. III Acknowledgements First and foremost, I would like to thank the God Almighty for making possible the events which led to the conception and the subsequently completion of this dissertation. To my mother and father, Mr and Mrs Luthuli, thank you for the support and patience that you have showed. Know that none of this would be possible without you. To my fiancée, Thobeka Sibiya, and my sisters, Nobuhle and Phumla Luthuli, you have been and continue to be my pillars of strength. A special heartfelt thanks is extend to my supervisor, Dr Bheki R. Mngomezulu, for the dedication and professionalism that he has shown throughout this project. This dissertation would not be what it is without your guidance and encouragement. IV Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to my beloved sister, Ntombenhle Bonita Luthuli. Even after her premature passing she has been and continues to be a great source of inspiration in all facets of my life. The times we spent together will forever be cherished and celebrated. We will forever love and miss you. V Contents Declaration............................................................................................................................... II Abstract ................................................................................................................................... III Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................ IV Dedication ................................................................................................................................ V Contents .................................................................................................................................. VI List of Figures ......................................................................................................................... IX Acronyms ................................................................................................................................. X Chapter 1 .................................................................................................................................. 1 Introduction and Background ................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Physical Location and Demographics .................................................................................. 2 1.3 Background and Outline of Research Problem .................................................................... 3 1.4 Research Problems and Objectives: Key Questions ............................................................ 4 1.5 Research Problems and Objectives: Broader Issues ............................................................ 5 1.6 Structure of the Dissertation ................................................................................................ 6 Chapter 2 .................................................................................................................................. 8 Literature Review .................................................................................................................... 8 2.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 8 2.2 Traditional Leadership and the International Stage ............................................................. 9 2.3 Traditional Leadership and the African Continent ............................................................ 11 2.4 Traditional Leadership in South Africa ............................................................................. 12 2.5 Traditional Leadership and Local Government in South Africa ....................................... 14 2.6 Policy Documents on Traditional Leadership.................................................................... 15 2.7 Chapter Summary .............................................................................................................. 22 Chapter 3 ................................................................................................................................ 24 Theoretical Framework ......................................................................................................... 24 3.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 24 3.2 Tradition ............................................................................................................................. 25 3.3 Organicism ......................................................................................................................... 26 3.4 Hierarchy............................................................................................................................ 28 3.5 Authority ............................................................................................................................ 30 3.6 Pragmatism ........................................................................................................................ 33 3.7 Human Imperfection .......................................................................................................... 35 3.8 Property .............................................................................................................................. 37 VI 3.9 Chapter Summary .............................................................................................................. 39 Chapter 4 ................................................................................................................................ 41 Research Methodology .......................................................................................................... 41 4.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 41 4.2 Research Design................................................................................................................