This article critically examines the evolving role of traditional leaders in post-apartheid South Africa, particularly in land governance, resources management and party politics. Despite their constitutionally protected status, traditional leaders have become increasingly involved with political parties, raising essential questions about their role in democratic governance. They have often been criticised for aligning with political parties, raising questions about their impartiality in a democratic society. This study employed literature review methodology, oral histories, document analysis, and other historical materials to examine the role and neutrality of traditional leaders in party politics in post-1994 South Africa. The analysis draws on interviews conducted with nine traditional leaders and key informants, as well as an examination of newspapers, policies, and historical records. The findings reveal that traditional leaders are not merely custodians of land and culture but active participants in the political sphere, often aligning with political parties to secure influence and resources. This involvement is evident in rural areas, where traditional leaders exert considerable control over land allocation and serve as intermediaries between political parties and local communities. The research highlights the power dynamics, suggesting that the entwinement of traditional authority and party politics may have significant implications for democratic governance, rural land rights and local development. It highlights how political parties leverage traditional leaders to secure electoral support, particularly in rural areas where amakhosi significantly influence land allocation and social governance. These dynamics challenge the democratic principles of fairness and transparency, raising concerns about the potential for political manipulation. This study adds to ongoing debates on the contested role of traditional leaders in South Africa’s political landscape, urging reconsideration of their position within modern governance frameworks.
democracy, land governance, party politics, rural politics, South Africa, traditional leaders
Patrick A. Nyathi. Corresponding author. Department of Educational Foundations, University of South Africa. Email: nyathpa@unisa.ac.za
Mthandeni P. Mbatha. Lecturer, Department of History, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa
Mxolisi B. Cebekhulu. Lecturer, Department of History, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
This work was not supported by any funding.
This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical guidelines set by the University of Zululand. The conduct of this study has been approved and given relative clearance(s) by University of Zululand.
AI tools were not used in writing this paper.
The authors wish to thank all the participants who shared their knowledge and experiences, which made writing this article possible.
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Cite this article:
Nyathi, P.A., Mbatha, M.P. & Cebekhulu, M.B. (2025). Traditional leadership, land and party politics: Problematising the role of traditional leaders in post-apartheid South Africa. International Review of Social Sciences Research, 5(1), 29-48. https://doi.org/10.53378/irssr.353143
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