Cultural Weapons: Traditions, Inventions and the Transition to Democratic Governance in Metropolitan Durban

Abstract

This document is the author's final manuscript accepted version of the journal article, incorporating any revisions agreed during the peer review process. Some differences between this version and the published version may remain. You are advised to consult the publisher's version if you wish to cite from it. Abstract: Traditional leaders have a formal role in South Africa's post-apartheid local government, and in some cities in the country, notably in KwaZulu-Natal, their presence has presented some important political challenges. This paper explores the relationship between longstanding institutional arrangements which support chiefdoms and traditional authority control over land and development, and the emerging democratic local government in the municipality of eThekwini, which covers the Greater Durban Region. For more research by LSE authors go to LSE Research OnlinePartly a response to a situation of entrenched conflict, the inclusion of amakhosi, or traditional leaders, in local governance structures varies across different areas in the city.The potential for competition between elected councillors and amakhosi remains high, and there are ongoing disputes about their roles. Municipal spending has been directed to encouraging the participation of amakhosi in the formal systems of local government, and in places the amakhosi themselves have been significant agents of urban development.The continuing popular support for traditional leaders is explored, and the consequences of this for both democracy and for development are considered. The paper suggests that hybrid forms of political identity, incorporating both formal democracies and lively traditions, are emerging and suggests that urban political culture and institutions have been transformed not only at the ballot box or through development processes, but through actions, beliefs and practices of residents.

Resources, conflict and governance: A critical review

“…Others state that these hybrid governance frameworks may contribute to the erosion of formal institutional arrangements established by the state (Menocal et al, 2008;Schmid, 2001). Still others claim that the outcomes of hybrid governance should be considered as variable and contextdependent (Van Rouveroy van Nieuwaal, 1999;Raeymaekers, 2009;Garrett et al, 2009;Beall, 2006).…”

Development and New Forms of Democracy in eThekwini

“…Community members want better services such as clean running water, better sanitation, roads, and other infrastructural services, usually able to be delivered by the metropolitan council (although see Beall 2006 on the important role of some traditional leaders in Durban in instigating development). While traditional leaders and their supporters oppose the township establishment partly because they perceive their 'rural way of life' to be under threat, and partly because the income, power and influence of traditional leaders rests on the control and distribution of land.…”

“…5 Both community participation and service delivery need to take into consideration the institutions with which poor people have to contend, and in eThekwini, the continuing vital role of traditional leaders in politics and development in the outlying rural areas of the metro is an important consideration (Beall 2006). Ignoring such institutions is often to the peril of projects aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of the poor; engaging with such institutions can be not only important but often essential for the success of such projects.…”

“…In Durban, a range of factors influenced development decision making: the particular form of ward-based electoral representation; the earlier history of a municipality divided amongst several sub-municipalities (North, South, Central (North and South), Inner West, Outer West) and an over-arching metropolitan council which left enduring personality and institutional conflicts; as well as a robust and technically competent group of officials with a strong culture of efficient and financially conservative government (Padayachee 2002). Moreover, an extensive municipality, which incorporates rural and peri-urban areas, brings into play other politically contested dynamics around the role of traditional authorities in local government (Beall 2006).…”

Political will, traditional leaders and the fight against HIV/AIDS: a South African case study

“…Beall et al (2005Beall et al ( , 2006 outlines three ways Chiefs have negotiated this tension. Some support the ANC and work comfortably with local municipalities.…”