Are we tribalistic? Demarcation disputes in Vuwani Vhembe District

Thandeka Khowa

doi:10.4102/apsdpr.v10i1.534

Abstract

Background: Vuwani community expressed their rejection of the municipal boundary demarcations which resulted in the formation of the Collins Chabane Municipality made-up of parts of Vuwani community and Malamulele community. A number of media reports had alluded that much of what is presented as demarcation disputes is largely fueled by tribalism (Baloyi 2018).Aim: Using relevant literature, this study aimed at examining claims of tribalism in Vuwani demarcation disputes. In so doing the study examines the claims of tribalism as a catalyst in the demarcation disputes in Vuwani.Setting: The area of study is Vuwani Vhembe District in South Africa. However lessons learnt are not limited to South Africa but contributes to the body of knowledge on demarcations in Africa and worldwide.Methods: A qualitative approach was adopted using in-depth and focus group discussion analysed through Territorial and Inclusion theories.Results: The findings revealed that clustering Vuwani demarcation disputes as being merely tribalistic is a narrow and dismissive approach to the amalgamation disputes in Vuwani. The findings further revealed the contributing factors to the demarcation disputes in Vuwani such as lack of adherence to good governance principle, lack of transparency etc. have led to many misconceptions which fueled the ongoing demarcation disputes.Conclusion: Adherence to good governance principles and policies is essential in redrawing of the spatial boundaries. Land, especially rural land is a sensitive commodity in Africa because of the effects of colonialism and apartheid. Thus, redrawing of spatial boundaries need to be carried out with extreme caution.

Highlights

IntroductionIntroduction and backgroundThe determination of municipal boundaries in South Africa is viewed as an important starting point in the transformation and development of the country
Introduction and backgroundThe determination of municipal boundaries in South Africa is viewed as an important starting point in the transformation and development of the country
The findings further revealed the contributing factors to the demarcation disputes in Vuwani such as lack of adherence to good governance principle, lack of transparency etc. have led to many misconceptions which fueled the ongoing demarcation disputes

Summary

Introduction

Introduction and backgroundThe determination of municipal boundaries in South Africa is viewed as an important starting point in the transformation and development of the country. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, No 105 of 1996 Section 152 directs, outlines and further stipulates the envisaged objects of a new democratic South Africa It further places much emphasis on the restructuring and redrawing of the South African boundaries. Re-demarcation of municipal boundaries is aimed at ensuring that municipalities are sizable, feasible and are held accountable to the needs of their people. Vuwani community expressed their rejection of the municipal boundary demarcations which resulted in the formation of the Collins Chabane Municipality made-up of parts of Vuwani community and Malamulele community. A number of media reports had alluded that much of what is presented as demarcation disputes is largely fueled by tribalism (Baloyi 2018)

Objectives

Discussion

Conclusion