Is the African traditional institution (chieftiancy) [sic] compatible with contemporary democracy ? : a case study of Bochum in Limpopo Province of South Africa.

Abstract

The issue of democratisation and development in Africa is among the most explored and debated field by African and non African scholars. Since the beginning of post African state in the 1960' s, scholars have outlined democracy and development as an important issue for African states. In this ongoing debate, African traditional institution has been identified as a key factor that can shape the nature and relationship between democracy and development. African traditional institution is interpreted in a way that it either compliments or obstructs the link between democratisation and development. To some, it is a dead institution that has no place in this era of African development. The role of the traditional institutions in this contemporary era has been open to doubt. This study attempts to look at the role and significance of African traditional institution at this epoch with a case study of a rural community in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. This community offered a viable case study to understanding the manner in which the communities view the traditional institution and this will give a better meaning to the role of the African traditional institution.