Traditional Leadership in Modern South Africa: Political Meddling in Thomo and Khakhala Traditional Communities?

Abstract

This article seeks to interrogate the phenomenon of political interference in the appointment of traditional leadership and associated disputes. This emanate from an existing traditional leadership battle between Thomo (Shiviti) and Khakhala Traditional Communities in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. The Star News Paper on the 25^th of March 2021 published an article authored by a member of the Shiviti Traditional Council titled ‘Shiviti council snubbed’. Amongst others, the article advances in the strongest of terms claims of political interference and abuse of power in recognition and appointment of traditional leaders by the Limpopo Provincial Government, particularly by political office bearers. In an attempt to unpack the nature of the disputes and alleged political meddling, this article finds it impossible to ignore the politics-administration dichotomy model as applied in Public Administration to understand relationships in politics and administration. A study which is mainly quantitative in nature and an infusion of some components of a qualitative approach were therefore undertaken. Consequently, a questionnaire was administered through google forms comprising of questions seeking to understand the issues in question. 50 respondents were able to participate from a sample comprising of members of both Traditional Councils, Community Members and researchers or scholars in the discipline of Public Administration. Given the research problem, respondents were sampled both purposively and randomly. After making conclusions, this article provides recommendations on how the institution of traditional leadership in South Africa can be strengthened and isolated from political powers and influence for the purposes of enhancing good and sound governance in traditional leadership.