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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Leading from Behind: Democratic Consolidation and the Chieftaincy in South Africa
Author:Williams, J. Michael
Year:2004
Periodical:Journal of Modern African Studies
Volume:42
Issue:1
Period:March
Pages:113-136
Language:English
Geographic term:South Africa
Subjects:democracy
chieftaincy
local government
Politics and Government
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
Ethnic and Race Relations
External link:https://www.jstor.org/stable/3876176
Abstract:Despite the dramatic changes that have occurred in South Africa over the last fifteen years, the chieftaincy remains an important political institution that continues to exercise authority. This article explores the ways in which the chieftaincy has responded to the introduction of democratic electoral practices at the local level. While the chieftaincy has not been immune from the social and political changes that have swept through the country since the transition, it has nonetheless sought to direct, or redirect, these changes in ways that bolster its own authority. Many local communities expect the chieftaincy not only to assist with the formal electoral process, but also to allow for more participation within local level chieftaincy institutions. An examination of chieftaincy-societal relations demonstrates that while the chieftaincy has been affected by new democratic rules and practices, it has also influenced how local communities practice and understand these same rules and practices. This mutually transformative process illustrates the complexity of democratic consolidation, as well as the ability of the chieftaincy to adapt to changing political and social environments without sacrificing its claims to authority. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]
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