Enhancing local economic development through strengthening governance structures. The role of traditional leaders

Abstract

This article focuses on how traditional leadership can enhance Local Economic Development (LED) in South Africa. Based on the literature review, it argues for the coexistence of traditional and modern-day democratic forms of leadership. The importance of governance in LED is discussed and the place of traditional leadership in local development is underlined from a neo-traditionalist point of view. Subsequently, the article reviews a few other cases in Africa where traditional leadership forms part of local governance. A couple of roles that traditional authorities can assume in LED, and in the broader socio-economic development, are discussed within the framework of public sector leadership. Consequently, a discussion is made on how traditional and other leaders can work together within the local government sphere to ensure successful LED.