This Act makes provision with respect to traditional communities and traditional leadership in South Africa. It sets out the procedure and criteria for the recognition of traditional communities and leaders. A traditional community must transform and adapt customary law and customs relevant to the application of this Act so as to comply with the relevant principles contained in the Bill of Rights in the Constitution, in particular by- (a) preventing unfair discrimination; 10 (b) promoting equality; and (c) seeking to progressively advance gender representation in the succession to traditional leadership positions. Once the Premier has recognised a traditional community, it must establish a traditional council in line with principles set out in provincial legislation. The traditional council shall administer the affairs of the traditional community in accordance with customs and tradition and be involved, among other things, in community development. The national government and all provincial governments must promote partnerships between municipalities and traditional councils through legislative or other measures, and, through legislative or other measures, provide a role for traditional councils or traditional leaders in respect of, among other things, land administration, agriculture, health, welfare, the administration of justice, disaster management, and the management of natural resources.
South Africa · 2003-12-11