Traditional governance structures and uptake of housing allocation policy in eThekwini Municipality.

Abstract

This research study examines traditional governance structures in the eThekwini Municipality and its uptake on their housing allocation policy and policy feedback. It further explores how the dual governance system impacts on state subsidised housing allocation within the eThekwini Municipality particularly in traditional authority areas. The delivery of houses has become a highly politicised mandate with some beneficiaries sidelined due to their political affiliations. Policies are developed to guide service delivery initiatives however the question of proper consultation with the relevant stakeholders has been raised extensively in recent times with some key stakeholders lamenting that they have been left out of service delivery initiatives that are affecting their constituencies. Document analysis on the existing traditional governance literature, municipal administration and policy feedback was necessary to draw views on how traditional structures of government implement a policy that they did not formulate, a principle that they feel is contrary to the democratic values of South Africa and an infringement of their rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. This study utilized primary and secondary data collection methods targeting traditional leaders, municipal officials, Ward Councillors, and residents to draw conclusive analysis. Primary data was collected using semi-structured interviews from 20 participants. Findings from the study show that while traditional leaders and Ward Councilors sounded reconciliatory about working with each other for the benefit of service delivery, however city officials made it clear that the housing allocation process has become a political havoc. Research findings also highlighted that service delivery beneficiaries are caught up in this policy conflict and there is not much that they can do. Traditional Leaders emphasised that they are not willing to give up their roles as indigenous leaders further stating that unlike Councillors, they are not appointed or voted on five-year terms. As a result of, balance of power sharing equilibrium needs to be struck soon especially in areas under Traditional Authorities. The effects of this policy conflict between the municipality and traditional governance structures on low-cost housing provision has exacerbated the already dire housing allocation process in traditional authority areas located in the outskirts of the eThekwini Municipality.