The Competing Relationship between Traditional Leaders and Elected Councillors in Lesotho: A Case of Maseru District Council

Abstract

The study has explored the perceptions of chiefs, elected councillors and community members concerning the reasons for competing relationship between traditional leaders and elected councillors in Maseru District Council of Lesotho. A qualitative case study research design was adopted to attain the aim of this study. In this regard, the data collection methods used were interviews and document analysis. Further, a sample of twenty-four (24) participants was chosen to participate in interviews using both purposive and convenience sampling methods. Data collected through interviews were analysed using thematic analysis while data collected through document study were analysed using content analysis. The major findings reveal that the competing relationship between traditional leaders and elected councillors was due to the following aspects: contestation for power and legitimacy; personal attributes of traditional leaders and elected councillors; absence of legislation on the role of the central government pertaining to particular issues at the local government; political affiliations of traditional leaders and elected councillors. Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were put forward: improved communication between traditional leaders, elected councillors and the communities through stakeholder engagement processes; provision of training to traditional leaders and elected councillors for the enhancement of their leadership and interpersonal skills. The study concluded that the central government of Lesotho should prioritise addressing the ongoing hostile relationship between traditional leaders as this may tend to negatively affect the provisions of services to the communities.