The role of traditional leaders in the provision of municipal services in rural areas under Blouberg Local Municipality

please write literature review for my research paper and include most recent citations and write list of references please topic is THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL LEADERS IN THE PROVISION OF MUNICIPAL SERVICES IN RURAL AREAS UNDER BLOUBERG LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, LIMPOPO PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA LITARATURE REVIEW ’This study’s approach will be informed by a clear understanding of the literature review concept. The themes covered in this chapter are the reasons for this study and these include, promoting the role of traditional leaders in municipal service delivery. 6.1. Theoretical literature The theoretical perspective is a structure that outlines how the existing literature supports the research study’s theory. This study will adopt servant leadership theory on understanding how traditional leaders influence municipal service provision in rural areas. 6.1.1. Servant Leadership theory The servant leadership theory was introduced by Robert. K Greenleaf in the leadership discourse in the 1970s (Trans, 2021). According to Smith (2004), servant leadership theory is a leadership philosophy that emphasises the leader’s primary role as a servant to their followers. Incorporating servant leadership theory into offers a holistic perspective on leadership dynamics and service delivery mechanisms. The strong emphasis on service to the community makes servant leadership a suitable choice for this study, as traditional leaders play a critical role in serving their communities in rural areas (Gaines, 2012). According to (Caruthers, 2020), ’Servant leadership is characterised by ethical practices, accountability, and transparency.’’This focus on ethical leadership is particularly relevant to this study, as it allows for an examination of how traditional leaders can ensure that municipal services are provided in a fair, transparent, and accountable manner.’’By adopting a servant leadership approach, traditional leaders can create an environment that encourages transparency and accountability.’ This theory is relevant to this study because it asserts that effective leadership is required in municipalities to ensure better service delivery in commment, which is a crucial aspect of this study. Traditional leaders, as key community figures, have the potential to empowerunities. This study aims to explore this potential, and the servant leadership model provides a robust framework for doing so. 6.2. LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK 6.2.1. Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 The Constitution, particularly in Chapter 12, recognises and protects the institution of traditional leadership. Section 211 of the Constitution establishes that traditional leadership is recognised as a category of leadership that is accorded the necessary support to enable it to function effectively. 6.2.2. The White Paper on Local Government, 1998 The White Paper on Local Government, 1998 recognises the institution of the traditional leadership and their relationship with the local government. The White Paper on Local Government, 1998 provides that the relationship between the traditional leadership and elected rural local government requires clarification on the White Paper on Local Government. 6.2.3. The White Paper on Traditional Leadership and Governance, 2003 The White Paper on Traditional Leadership and Governance (2003), serves as a framework for defining the roles and functions of traditional leadership institutions in the new system of democratic governance. According to Finca (2020) the aim was to deal with and finalise all issues relating to the Institution of Traditional Leadership. 6.2.4. The National House of Traditional Leaders Act 10 of 1997 The National House of Traditional Leaders Act (10 of 1997), outlines the role of traditional leaders in South Africa’s democratic system. In rural areas, traditional leaders play a significant role in the provision of services, including healthcare, education, and social welfare (Mamabolo, 2017). 6.2.5. Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act 41 of 2003 Very little is stipulated in the Constitution about how traditional leaders fit in realisation of developmental programmes in local government sphere. Section 5(1) of the act compels both national and provincial government to promote partnership between Municipalities and Traditional Councils. 6.3. EMPIRICAL LITERATURE ‘The empirical literature review aims to analyse the comprehensive literature on the role of traditional leaders in the provision of municipal services in rural areas.’ 6.3.1. The Role of Traditional Leaders in Promoting Service Provision in Rural Communities Smith (2017), traditional leaders play a crucial role in facilitating the provision of services in rural areas. This study specifically focused on how traditional leaders aid in the delivery of healthcare services by acting as intermediaries between community members and healthcare providers, thereby bridging communication and cultural gaps. 6.3.2. The Status of municipal service provision in rural areas Sharma (2019), some communities benefit from well-established infrastructure and access to basic services, others face significant challenges due to limited resources and capacity constraints. Studies have shown that improved service provision can lead to better health outcomes, increased educational attainment, enhanced agricultural productivity, and overall socio-economic development in rural areas. 6.3.3. Perception of community member on the impact made by traditional leaders in the provision of municipal services According Truong (2017), community members view traditional leaders as important intermediaries between the government and local populations. The study will emphasize the importance of collaboration between traditional leaders and local government authorities to enhance service provision. 6.3.4. To determine challenges faced by traditional leaders in providing municipal services to local communities Traditional leaders often face limited financial resources to provide municipal services.’’These leaders may rely on community members’ contributions, which can be insufficient to cover the costs of services (Kabwe, 2019). ’The study found that limited financial resources, inadequate infrastructure, and limited capacity for governance and management were key challenges faced by traditional leaders. 7.RESEARCH METHODOLODY According to Nkatini (2020), research methodology involves collecting, analysing, and interpreting data to achieve aims and objectives. Therefore, this section will cover the research design, area of study, target population, sampling technique, data collection, data analysis, validity, reliability and objectivity. 7.1. Research design Research design is a set of rules and instruction for solving a research problem (Pandey, 2018). This study will adopt mixed method research approach which integrates both qualitative and quantitative methods within a single study. This approach is chosen to gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics between traditional leaders and the provision of municipal services in rural areas. Qualitative research, as defined by Koma (2020), involves exploring individual’s perspectives and behaviours in-depth through non-numerical methods such as interviews and observations. This study will adopt qualitative research to explore the subjective opinions of traditional leaders, municipal officials. According to Mohlake (2020), quantitative research methodology is a systematic approach adopted to collect, analyse, and interpret numerical data to understand phenomena, test hypotheses, and make generalisations. Questionnaires will be used to collect data from community members. ’An exploratory design is a design that allows researchers to explore phenomena with limited knowledge about them (Blessing and Caruthers, 2020).’ This study will use the exploratory design to enable the researcher to identify key issues affecting service delivery, assess the effectiveness of traditional leadership structures in promoting service delivery, and identify areas for improvement.’’ 7.2. Study Area This study will focus on Blouberg Local Municipality in the Limpopo Province, South Africa, it is situated in the North-Western boundary of the Republic of South Africa with Botswana and Zimbabwe where the Limpopo River serves as the border between the Municipality. The Municipality has an area of 9,248.44 square kilometres with a total of 22 wards (Blouberg Municipality Integrated Development Plan, 2016-2021). The study will also focus on ward 15 in GaMakgato village located in Groemhoek. 7.3. Target Population The target population is the total group of individuals from which the sample might be drawn (McLeod, 2019). The study population will consist of members of Makgato Traditional Council, Officials from Blouberg Local Municipality and Community members from Ga-Makgato village Groemhoek. 7.4. Sampling size and procedure The study will adopt the purposive sampling strategy to select 1 chief and 4 council members from Makgato Traditional Council in Ga-Makgato village, from Blouberg Local Municipality, the study will purposively sample 4 managers, Mayor, Municipal Manager and 4 ward councillors. A convience sampling method simple will be used to select 50 community members from Ga-Makgato village as this sampling method afford all participants an equal chance to be selected in the sample. 7.5. Data collection instrument Data collection instrument refers to the activity of asking questions and relating the response to the study through interpretation of data in a way that best benefits the study through utilisation of interview guide (Fetters, 2013). For the purpose of this study, semi-structured interviews, structured questionnaires and documents such as municipal reports, journals, articles, published thesis and dissertations were used to collect data. 7.5.1. Interviews Interviews will be used to collect data in this study. According to Berler (2020) the semi-structured interview is an exploratory interview used most often in the social sciences for qualitative research purposes or to gather clinical data. Semi-structured Interviews will be used for data collection in this research. Semi-structured interviews will be used to collect data from municipal employees and traditional council. The interview will be specifically chosen by the researcher due to its versatility. They are adaptable in that they allow the researcher the chance to pose more enquiries. Furthermore, audiotape recording will be used to capture interview procedures, which will then be transcribed into primary data. Thus, before the interview begins, the researcher will inform the participant about the audio tape recording that will be utilised to allow the researcher to return back to the interview and re-evaluate the interview data. 7.5.2. Questionnaires In this study, questionnaires will be utilised alongside other strategies to collect data. According to Biloxi (2010), the most prevalent technique of data collection is a questionnaire. The questionnaires will be translated into Sepedi Language to enable participants in rural areas to understand the questions properly. The questionnaire structure will include both open and closed-ended questions. The researcher will opt for questionnaires as the data collection method due to their ease of preparation, cost-effectiveness, ability to reach a larger audience over a considerable distance and specifically to engage community members. Data collection from the selected community members will be conducted in two ways: individually and in the form of focus groups, depending on the environment’s atmosphere, through daily home visits. 7.5.3. Documentation In this study the researcher will adopt the use of documents such as, Government Gazette, White Papers, articles and journals to collect relevant information pertaining to this study. The data required for this study drawn from the literature will be the arguments about the role of traditional leaders in providing municipal services to the community residents and a way of improving the quality services. 7.6. Data Analysis According to Nene (2020), data analysis involves deriving meaning, interpretation, and justification from collected data. Qualitative research emphasizes logical and inductive reasoning, organizing data into categories and identifying patterns among them (White, 2018). Thematic analysis will be used for qualitative data collected through interviews in conjunction with Nvivo software (version 14). The researcher will take notes during the interview sessions, in addition to using a tape recorder to help the researcher to retrieve and analyse the data obtained. This study will use the descriptive analysis to analyse data, for quantitative data collected through questionnaires SPSS software (version 29). To analyse data, the researcher will first listen to participants’ verbal descriptions to gain a general understanding of what the data may represent. Thus, Statistical Package for Social Sciences is a data management and statistical analysis tool with a wide range of data processing capabilities (Babbie, Halley, and Zaino, 2003). The data will then be adopted after comparing the information from the literature reviewed to the study’s findings. 7.7. Validity, Reliability, Objectivity and Confirmability • Reliability Implies consistency across repeated tests. According to Kahn (2019), a pilot is a small study scale conducted to evaluate feasibility, time, cost, events and improve upon the study design prior to performance of scare research project. Before using the final version of the questionnaires to collect data, they will be piloted with supervisors and fellow research students, allowing the researcher to assess and make any necessary changes. Through pilot testing, the researcher will be able to assess the validity of the questions as well as the reliability of the data acquired. • Validity Nkuna (2021), validity in research studies establishes whether the data collected and concerned with the meaningfulness of research components. The research will maintain its validity by properly distributing questionnaires to the participants who will be evaluated and ensuring that all relevant stakeholders are present during the research interviews. The study’s supervisor will manage the entire project and will receive a written confirmation as evidence that the research was conducted in collaboration with the necessary parties, thereby ensuring that the information collected from appropriate sources is accurate. In this study the researcher will use the following strategies to ensure the validity of the data collected: • Dependency Basically, is assessing the study’s conclusions, interpretation, and recommendations to ensure that they are all substantiated by the information gathered from the study’s informants. This will be accomplished in this study by designing the interview and questionnaire questions so that the answers and information gathered from them can be used in future studies that are comparable to this study. • Credibility The researcher will visit participant’s homes to make them feel comfortable and allow them to freely express themselves. This will aid in making comparisons based on their responses during the study. The researcher will also ensure the credibility of the study by peer assessment which will be done by inviting the supervisor to scrutinise the research in general. • Objectivity Lacey (2019) stated that objectivity involves presenting information without bias or personal opinions, relying on evidence and logical reasoning to support claims. The researcher will guarantee unbiased, impartiality, reliability, and factual accuracy of the study by having participants assess the findings and corroborate the research with additional data sources. To enhance the diversity of perspectives, the researcher will utilize multiple sources to integrate emotional considerations with logical reasoning in decision-making processes.Moreover, in cases where potential conflicts of interest arise, the researcher will disclose them to maintain objectivity and fairness. Finally, the researcher will permit the supervisor to evaluate the study for constructive feedback and will remain open to comments without taking them personally. • Confirmability Refers to creating a writing style that is clear engaging, and easy for the respondents to understand. For the purposes of the study, this will be confirmed when the researcher records the interview processes and presents them to the supervisor. This approach ensures that the study’s findings arise from the data gathered from participants rather than the researcher’s own beliefs or knowledge of the subject. 8. ETHICAL CONSIDERATION Frick (2019), defines ethical considerations as guidelines and principles that researchers must adhere to during their studies. Kasula (2022), emphases that research participants have the right to be informed about being studied, and researchers should obtain permission from relevant authorities before commencing a study. It is essential that researchers continually remember that participants are human beings with legal rights and that they should be treated with respect and dignity. Prior consent of participants will be obtained (in writing) before the research commences. Steps will be taken to protect and ensure the dignity and welfare of all participants, as well as those who may be affected by the results of the research project. The researcher will fully explain the purpose of the research and assure confidentiality in terms of non-disclosure of participants’ names without permission. Access and ethics are critical aspects for the conduct of research. Research ethics refer to the appropriateness of one’s behavior in relation to the rights of those who become the subject of the research or are affected by the research (Saunders, 1997). In this study the researcher will be guided by the following ethics: • Permission to conduct the study In this study, since the approval to conduct the research is necessary, the researcher will apply for ethical clearance letter from the University of Limpopo Turfloop Research Ethics Committee (TREC) before collecting data. Furthermore, a letter from the Department of Public Administration to request permission or approval to conduct the study will be obtained and be given to Makgato Traditional Council and Blouberg Local Municipality. • Informed consent According to Seale, Gobo, Gubrium, and Silverman (2004: 231), study participants have the right to know that they are being researched, to be informed about the nature, purpose and risks of the research, and to withdraw their participation at any time. The informed consent forms will serve two purposes in this study: to protect the participants’ identities and privacy, and to ensure that participants will be aware of the information about their names, identities, and that specific roles they will play would not be used in any discussions or written documents related to the study. The researcher will ensure that all participants read and understand the participant consent form before giving their approval. • Voluntary participation The researcher in the study will inform the participants verbally that their participation in the study will be voluntary and that their private lives would not be invaded. Voluntary participation will also be mentioned on the semistructured questionnaires and informed consent form. To ensure that this study runs smoothly, the researcher will inform the participants that their participation will be entirely voluntary, with no remuneration or incentives provided, and that the participation to the study will not be forced as they can withdraw when they are no comfortable with study without penalty. • Privacy, confidentiality and anonymity The participant’s right to privacy will be respected by assigning various pseudonyms to each participant and using those pseudonyms throughout the data collection procedure and in the final study report. To preserve confidentiality anonymity, participants will be identified by the number of the questionnaire rather than their names. Anonymity means that the identities of research participants remain confidential throughout the research process so that they are not known to anyone with the exception of this researcher. According to Scumacher (2018) confidentiality means that no one but the researcher has access to data and participation names, and data cannot be linked to individual study participants’ names, involves refraining from attributing comments to specific participants in reports or presentations. The researcher will guarantee that the study is carried out with integrity and that public resources are used wisely. • Ensuring no risk and harm to participants According to Mohale (2019), the golden rule of research is that the researcher should never do any harm to research participants. In order to avoid harm in this study, the researcher will ensure that the research is commissioned and conducted with respect for all groups in society regardless of race, ethnicity, religion and culture, by protecting the participants from indignity or personal embarrassment. During field work, the researcher will avoid to ask the participants whether they are able to fill the questionnaires on their own as this will harm the participants feelings. The researcher will be able to fill the questionnaires on behalf of the participants. One potential risk is that the study may inadvertently marginalise certain groups, such as women, youth, or people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, who may not have direct access to traditional leaders or may not be adequately represented in traditional governance structures. The researcher will ensure that the study includes diverse voices from the community. This will involve engaging with marginalised groups and making sure they have equal opportunities to participate in the research through interviews or focus groups. The researcher will also be careful to ensure that marginalised participants feel safe to share their perspectives without fear of reprisal. There is a risk that the study could be biased, either by focusing too heavily on the perspectives of traditional leaders, or by overlooking their role in favor of local government authorities. This could lead to misrepresentation of the actual dynamics within the community. The researcher will strive to include a wide range of perspectives in the research, including those of community members, local government representatives, and traditional leaders. The researcher will ensure that data collection methods, such as surveys and interviews, are designed to gather diverse viewpoints and avoid over-reliance on one group. To minimise the risk of harm, the researcher will ensure that all participants are informed of their right to confidentiality and anonymity. Additionally, participants will be reassured that they can withdraw from the study at any time without consequence. The researcher will also create a safe environment for participants to voice their opinions, providing support if needed and ensuring that no participant faces any form of retaliation for their involvement. The researcher will carefully handle findings related to traditional leadership, ensuring they are presented in a constructive and respectful manner. If issues are identified, the researcher will focus on providing solutions and improvements, rather than solely highlighting weaknesses. The researcher will also engage with traditional leaders to ensure they are part of the discussion about findings and recommendations, preventing potential harm to their status or relationships with the community. 9.SICNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY The study on the role of Traditional leadership on service delivery in the rural areas within Blouberg Local Municipality will assist stakeholders in multiple ways. For instance, examining the role of traditional leadership in the provision of service in the Local Government sphere. The study will provide valuable insights into the role of traditional leaders in municipal service provision such as water, healthcare and education, leading to a better understanding of how local governance and service delivery can be improved in rural areas. These findings could help policymakers design more inclusive and culturally sensitive policies, enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of public services. The researcher will ensure that the benefits of the study are communicated to participants clearly, explaining how the research aims to improve the well-being of the community. This study will make a contribution to the knowledge regarding service delivery in a rural local municipality as well as further contributions towards the practice and research methods. From the perspective of knowledge, the focus on Blouberg Local Municipality extends to a large extent over South African research on service delivery and development. In practice, this study may reveal interesting findings that may foster a healthier nation, stimulate economic activities and employment in Ga – Makgato village. write me a literature review for my research paper please my topic is THE ROLE OF TRADITIONAL LEADERS IN THE PROVISION OF MUNICIPAL SERVICES IN RURAL AREAS UNDER BLOUBERG LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, LIMPOPO PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA LITARATURE REVIEW ’This study’s approach will be informed by a clear understanding of the literature review concept. The themes covered in this chapter are the reasons for this study and these include, promoting the role of traditional leaders in municipal service delivery. 6.1. Theoretical literature The theoretical perspective is a structure that outlines how the existing literature supports the research study’s theory. This study will adopt servant leadership theory on understanding how traditional leaders influence municipal service provision in rural areas. 6.1.1. Servant Leadership theory The servant leadership theory was introduced by Robert. K Greenleaf in the leadership discourse in the 1970s (Trans, 2021). According to Smith (2004), servant leadership theory is a leadership philosophy that emphasises the leader’s primary role as a servant to their followers. Incorporating servant leadership theory into offers a holistic perspective on leadership dynamics and service delivery mechanisms. The strong emphasis on service to the community makes servant leadership a suitable choice for this study, as traditional leaders play a critical role in serving their communities in rural areas (Gaines, 2012). According to (Caruthers, 2020), ’Servant leadership is characterised by ethical practices, accountability, and transparency.’’This focus on ethical leadership is particularly relevant to this study, as it allows for an examination of how traditional leaders can ensure that municipal services are provided in a fair, transparent, and accountable manner.’’By adopting a servant leadership approach, traditional leaders can create an environment that encourages transparency and accountability.’ This theory is relevant to this study because it asserts that effective leadership is required in municipalities to ensure better service delivery in commment, which is a crucial aspect of this study. Traditional leaders, as key community figures, have the potential to empowerunities. This study aims to explore this potential, and the servant leadership model provides a robust framework for doing so. LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK 6.2.1. Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 The Constitution, particularly in Chapter 12, recognises and protects the institution of traditional leadership. Section 211 of the Constitution establishes that traditional leadership is recognised as a category of leadership that is accorded the necessary support to enable it to function effectively. 6.2.2. The White Paper on Local Government, 1998 The White Paper on Local Government, 1998 recognises the institution of the traditional leadership and their relationship with the local government. The White Paper on Local Government, 1998 provides that the relationship between the traditional leadership and elected rural local government requires clarification on the White Paper on Local Government. 6.2.3. The White Paper on Traditional Leadership and Governance, 2003 The White Paper on Traditional Leadership and Governance (2003), serves as a framework for defining the roles and functions of traditional leadership institutions in the new system of democratic governance. According to Finca (2020) the aim was to deal with and finalise all issues relating to the Institution of Traditional Leadership. 6.2.4. The National House of Traditional Leaders Act 10 of 1997 The National House of Traditional Leaders Act (10 of 1997), outlines the role of traditional leaders in South Africa’s democratic system. In rural areas, traditional leaders play a significant role in the provision of services, including healthcare, education, and social welfare (Mamabolo, 2017). 6.2.5. Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act 41 of 2003 Very little is stipulated in the Constitution about how traditional leaders fit in realisation of developmental programmes in local government sphere. Section 5(1) of the act compels both national and provincial government to promote partnership between Municipalities and Traditional Councils. 6.3. EMPIRICAL LITERATURE ‘The empirical literature review aims to analyse the comprehensive literature on the role of traditional leaders in the provision of municipal services in rural areas.’ 6.3.1. The Role of Traditional Leaders in Promoting Service Provision in Rural Communities Smith (2017), traditional leaders play a crucial role in facilitating the provision of services in rural areas. This study specifically focused on how traditional leaders aid in the delivery of healthcare services by acting as intermediaries between community members and healthcare providers, thereby bridging communication and cultural gaps. 6.3.2. The Status of municipal service provision in rural areas Sharma (2019), some communities benefit from well-established infrastructure and access to basic services, others face significant challenges due to limited resources and capacity constraints. Studies have shown that improved service provision can lead to better health outcomes, increased educational attainment, enhanced agricultural productivity, and overall socio-economic development in rural areas. 6.3.3. Perception of community member on the impact made by traditional leaders in the provision of municipal services According Truong (2017), community members view traditional leaders as important intermediaries between the government and local populations. The study will emphasize the importance of collaboration between traditional leaders and local government authorities to enhance service provision. 6.3.4. To determine challenges faced by traditional leaders in providing municipal services to local communities Traditional leaders often face limited financial resources to provide municipal services.’’These leaders may rely on community members’ contributions, which can be insufficient to cover the costs of services (Kabwe, 2019). ’The study found that limited financial resources, inadequate infrastructure, and limited capacity for governance and management were key challenges faced by traditional leaders.