Traditional leadership is a form of governance for African people that predates colonialism. Over a period of time the institution of traditional leadership was exposed to other governance systems that impacted either positively or negatively on the institution. The advent of colonialism brought profound changes to the African peoples’ political, social and economic organization.

Colonial governments introduced new forms of governance institutions which subordinated the traditional institution. During this period the institution maintained some of its functions and responsibilities, lost some and in the process acquired new roles that were foreign to traditional leadership. Despite this, the institution managed to maintain its essence of traditional governance.

The introduction of colonialist institutions of governance brought about duality in African politico-social arrangements in that African systems continued to exist and functioned side by side with European systems. The post-colonial African administrations inherited this dual system. The transformation programmes therefore had to grapple with the challenge of management of relations between the two systems.

With the advent of democracy, South Africa (SA) also had to contend with the inclusion of traditional leadership within a democratic dispensation. The institution of traditional leadership in South Africa is held in high regard and entrenched amongst the rural communities where virtually all people observe some form of traditional leadership. Currently, the country has 11 recognised kings, 773 senior traditional leaders who are leading more than 830 traditional councils spread across eight provinces. The Western Cape Province is the only province which currently does not have recognised traditional leadership.

The existence and the role of institution of traditional leadership are entrenched through Chapter 12 of the Constitution. As provided for in the Constitution, government at both National and Provincial level has developed legislation that allocates roles and responsibilities to traditional leadership and established the National House, provincial and local houses of traditional leaders. The management of traditional leadership in the democratic dispensation is a concurrent function. This ensures that common issues are addressed at national level and that unique and geographic specific issues are dealt with at provincial level.

While the legislation developed provides for allocation of functions to traditional leadership, the cross-cutting nature of these functions poses serious management and coordination challenges in the three spheres of government. Various departmental and municipal functions impact on traditional leadership.