An introduction to the journal is presented in which the editor discusses various reports published within the issue including one by Sindiso Mnisi on inter-related statutes that provide chiefs with framework to enforce their power over all aspects of life in the former homelands, which house about 17 million South Africans, one by Aninka Claassens on the re-imposition of tribal levies and resultant resurgence in the country, and one by Nomboniso Gasa on the re-inscription of tribal boundaries.