Custom Contested

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Rural people remain in limbo waiting for CLaRA’s replacement

Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform Gugile Nkwinti’s comments at the Land Divided Conference in March 2013 triggered warning bells about the continued legal void regarding communal land tenure. This lacuna creates an environment where “people in rural communities are not able to have security of tenure, to have CPAs [Communal Property Associations] and …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.customcontested.co.za/rural-people-remain-in-limbo-waiting-for-claras-replacement/

Struggles to assert self-definition against ascribed tribal identities

One of the earliest lessons I learned as a student of history is that there is no singular history. Instead, multiple histories are produced and exist alongside and intersect with each other, representing different perspectives and accounts of events. Similarly, there is no one version of identity, knowledge or culture – there are knowledges, cultures …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.customcontested.co.za/struggles-to-assert-self-definition-against-ascribed-tribal-identities/

Let the amaMpondo people decide who’s their king

South Africa has lost a king. Media reports tell of how 71-year-old King Mpondombini Sigcau, leader of the amaMpondo aseQaukeni, suffered a stroke and died in hospital less than a week later. His funeral was an official provincial event in the Eastern Cape and he was lauded by members of government, including President Jacob Zuma …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.customcontested.co.za/let-the-amampondo-people-decide-whos-their-king/

Imposed tribal boundaries lock democracy out

The Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act (Framework Act) was enacted in 2003. It was the first of a “package” of new laws entrenching the powers of traditional leaders. In essence, the Framework Act goes no further than to establish the structures, boundaries and hierarchy of state-recognised traditional leaders (chiefs), traditional communities (tribes) and traditional …

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.customcontested.co.za/imposed-tribal-boundaries-lock-democracy-out/

“One size fits all” Traditional Courts Bill negates rural diversity

The centenary of the Natives Land Act of 1913 offers the opportunity for critical reflection on its material and social legacies that continue to shape the lives of millions of South Africans. This moment also demands interrogation of current and proposed legislation on land, especially how present state interventions respond to past injustices.

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Permanent link to this article: https://www.customcontested.co.za/one-size-fits-all-traditional-courts-bill-negates-rural-diversity/

Custom Contested