South Africa’s policy about the place and role of traditional authorities in rural development is conflicted and, at best, patronising. Although the constitution acknowledges the role of amakhosi (chiefs), the development process does not really assign them a budget with which to exercise their role. The tendency is to advance the place of councillors over that of amakhosi. However, in the context of Jozini, which falls within the Ingonyama Trust Lands (controlled by the Zulu Monarchy) amakhosi continue to assert themselves as part of the development equation by insisting that councillors, field workers and government officials acknowledge through consultation that they are part and parcel of any development that takes place on their land.
Traditional authorities still engage with the people in their areas through cultural functions, imbizos and organising development projects, such as community gardens and other activities. However, some people seem to view amakhosi as an institution that is no longer relevant, though they will still consult the chiefs should they want land for their children or to resolve a dispute between neighbours.
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