Democracy compromised : chiefs and the politics of the land in South Africa

TitleDemocracy compromised : chiefs and the politics of the land in South Africa
Publication TypeBook
Year of Publication2005
AuthorsL. Ntsebeza
Series titleAfrika-Studiecentrum series
Issue5
Pagination - X, 326
Date Published2005///
PublisherBrill
Place PublishedLeiden [etc.]
Publication Languageeng
ISSN Number90-04-14482-X ; 1570-9310
Keywordschieftaincy, customary law, indirect rule, land law, South Africa
Abstract

This book offers a historical analysis of the embattled structures of rural local governance in South Africa, with specific reference to the role of traditional authorities in Xhalanga in the Eastern Cape. More specifically, the book illustrates how at least in the Xhalanga district chieftainship was contested from the establishment of the district in 1865 to the advent of democracy in South Africa. Two related themes are addressed: the question of the survival of traditional authorities up to the postcolonial/apartheid era and the question of how traditional authorities derive their authority and legitimacy. The book shows that the survival of traditional authorities can be linked directly to their control of the land allocation process, rather than popular support. The issue of the legitimacy of traditional authorities, especially in a democracy, is investigated against the background of the tension in the 1993 Interim Constitution and the 1996 Constitution, which recognized the institution of traditional leadership. These constitutions, along with emerging post-1994 legislation, advocated a form of democracy that was based on the liberal principles of representation at all levels of government, including local government, while, at the same time, recognizing a hereditary institution of traditional leadership for rural residents. [ASC Leiden abstract]

Notes

Gebaseerd op proefschrift Rhodes University, 2003 - Met index, lit. opg

IR handle/ Full text URLhttp://hdl.handle.net/1887/20609
CERES Rank

C1

Catalogue link

http://opc-ascl.oclc.org/PPN?PPN=27431861X

Citation Key3875