Populism and the Politics of Chieftaincy and Nation-Building in the New South Africa

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Periodical article

Title:	Populism and the Politics of Chieftaincy and Nation-Building in the New South Africa
Author:	Maloka, Tshidiso
Year:	1996
Periodical:	Journal of Contemporary African Studies
Volume:	14
Issue:	2
Period:	July
Pages:	173-196
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	democracy chieftaincy populism Politics and Government Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Ethnic and Race Relations nationalism
Abstract:	The institution of chieftaincy has been one of the key political issues spotlighted since the beginning of the transition process in South Africa. This paper argues that the major thrust of the campaign for the defence of the institution of chieftaincy in the name of 'custom', 'tradition' and 'our history', springs from the interests of a certain section of the African petty bourgeoisie, which has been denied effective access to the postapartheid State machinery, and which is now seeking to assert itself in the transition process. The paper traces the evolution of chieftainship in South Africa; looks at the relationship between chiefs and the ANC, paying attention to, amongst others, the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa), formed in 1987, and the role of chief Buthelezi in KwaZulu-Natal; and examines the nature of the dynamics between chiefs and the postapartheid State, discussing, amongst others, tensions in Kwazulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. Bibliogr., notes, ref.