There are serious concerns about the constitutionality of the bill
The Stop the Bantustans Campaign says the current version of the Bill is unconstitutional as it has no opt-out clause, thereby forcing rural people to use courts with which they may have no affiliation
Proposed changes to the Traditional Courts Bill to remove the possibility to “opt out” and use magistrate’s courts instead are probably unconstitutional, and definitely play into the hands of traditional leaders instead of their communities
If passed, powers will be given to unelected leaders and people will be dispossed of land rights
Women around the world tell a similar tale of tilling the land and producing food but being denied secure rights to land
Acquiescing to virginity testing in KwaZulu-Natal represents the start of an entrenched tolerance for patriarchy in the organisation’s ranks.
The government’s approach to traditional affairs runs counter to the guarantee of equality for all.
The irony of two "tribal" Bills that serve the interests of chiefs over ordinary citizens appears to be lost on the ANC, writes Aninka Claassens.
The Traditional Courts Bill goes back to the provinces, raising fears that they will be bullied into supporting it.
Parliament has referred the controversial Traditional Courts Bill back to the provinces for "further consultation" despite most rejecting it.
In 2004, the Cabinet approved the adoption of a policy on indigenous knowledge systems.
It appears that the Constitutional Court is divided between the customary and the constitutional when it comes to the Traditional Courts Bill.
Controversy is brewing as Parliament ignored an overwhelming number of submissions made by the public into the controversial Traditional Courts Bill.
The Traditional Courts Bill gives chiefs autocratic powers over people forced into tribal boundaries they reject, writes Aninka Claassens.
The justice and constitutional development department is working hard to save the Traditional Courts Bill after factoring in all proposed amendments.
Parliament has asked for clarity as the departments of Lulu Xingwana and Jeff Radebe contradict each other on the Traditional Courts Bill’s validity.
Work on the Traditional Courts Bill, which seeks to regulate the traditional courts to bring them in line with the Constitution will continue.
Horrific attacks on LGBTI people require context, not shrill headlines, if they are to be understood and prevented, writes Melanie Judge.
A central concept of precolonial society provides a key to the way forward in a modern democracy, writes Professor Jeff Guy.
Shirhami Shirinda, a member of a rural royal family, argues that the Traditional Courts Bill will only serve to disempower many women.
The lofty debate about the Traditional Courts Bill conceals its likely impact on the poverty of rural people, writes Chris Zithulele Mann.
Some women in Limpopo’s Vhembe district say their traditional powers should be expanded, writes Kwanele Sosibo
A new Bill before Parliament gives traditional leaders considerable powers. Nomboniso Gasa arguments against the bill.
A new Bill before Parliament gives traditional leaders considerable powers. Monde Nkasa arguments for the Bill.
The Democratic Alliance will oppose the draft traditional courts Bill in its entirety, says party leader Helen Zille.
The African system of justice administration, as epitomised by traditional courts, is welcoming to those who seek justice, says Phathekile Holomisa.
Traditional leaders, excluded from real power since the interim constitution was replaced by the permanent version, are looking for a ‘Zuma dividend’.
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/ 24 February 2012
Rural woman are mostly the worst affected by traditional leader’s powers. impose taxes and levies.
The election of traditional councils has been hampered by vague legislation, poor oversight and tension between the Constitution and customary law.
The latest Traditional Courts Bill could place rural people under the legal jurisdiction of the rulers of their former homelands.