Revisiting the participation of traditional leaders in municipal councils in South Africa

Abstract

During the pre-colonial era, societies in Africa were ruled by traditional leaders led by kings who were supported by chiefs, headmen and traditional councillors.1 During the colonial conquest, the role of traditional leaders in the governing of people in Africa was weakened by the colonial masters and, later, by the apartheid government which reduced and/or took away most of the original, important powers of traditional leaders.2 Although the powers of traditional leaders were eroded, these rulers continued to