The role of traditional leadership in community development: a case study of Thulamela Local Municipality in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

The study was carried out at Thulamela Local Municipality within Vhembe District Municipality in Limpopo Province in the Republic of South Africa. The study is about an investigation into the role of traditional leadership in community development: A case of Thulamela Local Municipality. In South Africa, municipalities, especially those which are found in rural areas, are faced with challenges that sometimes hamper development and thus service delivery to clients. These challenges are sometimes as a result of the way traditional leaders execute their role in service delivery in their areas. It is in this context that this study attempts to investigate the role of traditional leadership in community development and how this impacts on service delivery. Only quantitative method was used to collect data. Questionnaires were formulated and conducted to traditional leaders in Thulamela Local Municipality. Questionnaires were designed and administered to traditional leaders in Thulamela Local Municipality. The study seeks to investigate the role that traditional leaders play and how they can be capacitated to improve service delivery. The study seeks to find ways through which traditional leaders can be capacitated to perform their roles effectively in their communities. This study established clearly that traditional leaders play a role in maintaining law and order in their communities. It also became evident with this study that communication between traditional leaders and ward councillors leaves much to be desired. It revealed a trend that traditional leaders are needed, especially when communities embark on protests.