An Analysis of the Role of Traditional Institutions in Development

Abstract

Recently, the Government of Eswatini was criticised for being undemocratic amidst appeals for constitutional and political reform. The coexistence of  ‘traditionalism’ and ‘modernism’ is an intrinsic feature of the political system in Eswatini. This study analysed this dualism and linked the colonial past of  Eswatini to the political and public administration traditions that challenge development. It enhances the existing body of knowledge of the Eswatini  political system by providing insight into the key features of the Tinkhundla system of government. The study also explored the extent to which  constitutionally recognised traditional institutions are expected to contribute towards development based on policy and how that contribution takes  effect in reality. The study further analysed the Tinkhundla system of government and identified the attributes that contest its viability. The institutional  weaknesses that challenge development were also evaluated. This context is significant because Eswatini is confronted by civil unrest as a result of  pressure to effect political reformation. The qualitative research methodology was adopted, whereby both primary and secondary data were gathered. Legislation, literature, and government documents were reviewed and unstructured interviews were conducted with key informants. The findings  revealed serious legislative inadequacies that contribute to institutional inefficiency and a lack of clarity regarding the functional aspects of the lower  levels of government, specifically chiefdom administration. The most critical recommendation offered in this paper calls for a comprehensive and  impartial institutional and constitutional review to reconfigure the distribution of power and redefine the relationship between the state and civil society.