Harnessing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Framework into African Traditional Governance for Effective Communication

Abstract

A high percentage of South African population depends on the governance of traditional leaders for social, economic, and development projects. However, the duties of traditional leaders towards their people and the government in power is always marred with fundamental problems such as the issue of record keeping, management, as well as packaging and dissemination of indigenous information. The present study investigated the roles and functions of traditional leaders and how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is applied in North West Province of South Africa. A case study approach was used. Nine participants were drawn from an entire population of traditional leaders who were chiefs, tribal councillors and headmen. Data was collected using semi- structured open- ended interview questions to inquire about their roles and functions. The findings revealed that traditional leaders perform functions which included protection of the rural local communities' customs, cultural values, laws and provision of leadership to the people.