Land Allocation and Development at the Municipal-Traditional Authority Interface

By James Chakwizira and Funani Tshivhase This report explores the governance structures and land administration systems of Rambuda, Tshivhase and Masia – traditional councils in Vhembe District, Limpopo province. The report looks at how traditional councils execute land development application decisions. The aim of this research is to better understand the dynamics of land governance practices in the domain of traditional areas. The study also investigates the roles of traditional council (leadership) hierarchies and decision-making systems in advancing ‘rural land-use pseudo or shadow informal planning, allocation, administration and management’. There are capacity gaps and mismatches between the municipalities and traditional councils, areas and leadership. A clear action plan is needed to tackle the ‘differences in difference’, discontinuities, continuities, connections and disconnections. The divide between decision-making systems constrains, compromises and, at times, frustrates, the quest for transformative practices and policies to elevate land governance in municipalities. Continued policy dialogues and engagement are recommended to improve land governance decision-making and policy-making frameworks. This would enhance integrity systems and perceptions, increase the flow of value additions and dividends of traditional council’s land governance systems for stakeholders, interest groups, municipalities and government alike.