The role of traditional leaders in the Amathole District local Municipality councils (with special reference to Mbhashe and Amahlathi local municipalities)

The advent of democracy in South Africa brought about a new era of leadership at local sphere of government. According to the Constitution Act, No.108 of 1996 municipalities must be established throughout the country, including rural areas which were ruled by traditional leaders. The introduction of Councillors in the rural areas which were predominantly ruled by traditional leaders created uncertainty, tensions and insecurity. Roles of Councillors overlapped with those of traditional leaders. The roles and powers of Councillors became clearly defined unlike those of traditional leaders which were not clearly outlined. A need, therefore, arose for the clarification and confirming the roles and relevance of traditional leaders. The objective of this study was, therefore, to look at the role of traditional leaders in service delivery, their relevance in a democratic dispensation and evaluate the impact of poor relations between traditional leaders and Councillors. In doing the study, questionnaires and interviews were conducted to traditional leaders, municipal officials and some veterans such as Mda Mda. Municipal officials included Mayors, Municipal Managers, Senior Managers and Councillors. Traditional leaders included the King of Amaxhosa, Chiefs and Headman. It transpired that current legislation is not clear and precise as to what are the roles and responsibilities of traditional leaders are in service delivery. There is some serious overlapping in the roles of traditional leaders and those of Councillors. Traditional leaders have a great influence in rural areas and for effective delivery to happen they cannot be ignored or left outside the process. Legislation must therefore be reviewed to be precise, clear and be committing when it comes to roles of traditional leaders