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- Title
The Origin and Nature of Traditional Leadership in South Africa.
- Authors
KHUNOU, SAMUELSON FREDDIE
- Abstract
Traditional leadership in South Africa and, by historical extension, in precolonial southern Africa, is analysed systematically under several heads, starting with its originary determinants in terms of linkage with cosmogony and with principles of strong leadership deriving from an organic theory of the social contract. Save for the matrilineal succession favoured by the Lobedu, male primogeniture was practised, the tribal basis being familial in micro- and macrostructure (from smallest unit through clans and villages to the wider community). The political organization, however, was supratribal and determined by tribute paid to traditional leaders from subsistence economy. This produced overall respect for authority and the law, and, amidst technological simplicity, a high degree of sophisticated efficiency with regard to the administration of justice and land, to community support, and to the performance of religious and military functions.
- Subjects
LEADERSHIP; AUTHORITY; COSMOGONY; AFRICAN cosmogony; AFRICAN mythology
- Publication
Matatu: Journal for African Culture & Society, 2013, Vol 41, Issue 1, p293
- ISSN
0932-9714
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1163/9789401209151_019