Dynamics of Traditional Leadership Participation in IDPs in the uMhlathuze Local Municipality of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the dynamics of a traditional leaders participation and influence in local government with reference to the integrated development plan (IDP) process. The study employed a qualitative research approach using an exploratory research study. A sample of 17 participants was drawn using purposive sampling. This included traditional leaders, political office-bearers, municipal administrators, ward councillors and ward committee members from the uMhlathuze Local Municipality. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions and analysed using thematic analysis. The study concluded that traditional leaders are critical stakeholders in IDP playing the roles of rural-focused developmental advisers, consultants and advocate, community mobilisers, rural land use guarders, project and programme implementors, and political liaisons. In their role, they faced several challenges, notably limited access to capital and operational funds, skills and knowledge deficiencies on municipal and administrative matters, challenged legitimacy, poor safety, role ambiguity and conflict with political office bearers. The implication was that their effectiveness in positively influencing local development was diminished and sometimes curtailed by these challenges. The study's main recommendations were the establishment of a standing municipality's political and administrative components, education, training, and capacitation of traditional leaders on the need for IDPs and their respective roles in this regard. In a long term, the national government need to review the leadership structure of areas classified as communal and that are under the authority of both ward councilors and traditional leaders so that there is role clarity and a mutually beneficial relationship.