Involvement of Traditional Leadership in Land Use Planning and Development Projects in South Africa: Lessons for Local Government Planners
Peter Bikam, James Chakwizira

Abstract
Many development analysts stress the importance of land use planning and development projects but few document the involvement of traditional leaders and the role they play. In South Africa the role of municipal officials in traditional authority areas is compounded with those of traditional leaders. The Municipal Structures Act of 2000 does not provide a clear definition of role traditional leaders should play in land use planning and development projects. Consequently traditional leaders argue they were given a back seat role of only public participation and not those related to decision making with regard to planning in their areas of jurisdiction. This has led to conflicts more often than co-operation between traditional leaders and municipal officials. The research focuses on Limpopo Province to discuss the challenges on community development. It analysis whether the current proposed legislation: Spatial Planning and Land Use management Act 2014 can address the challenges.

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