LIST OF APPENDICES
CHAPTER 1 1.1 Introduction
2. Theoretical and Conceptual framework 1. Introduction
2.2. Theoretical Perspectives
Theories are explanations that enable people to understand why certain processes happen in a particular manner. Theories will be used to give an explanation that will enable people to understand an ongoing debate on the roles of traditional leaders in national and local government in the new South Africa. This therefore, questions the future of the institution of traditional leaders, which is closest to the rural people.
The theories that will be used to show conflicting ideas that seem to arise when dealing with rural housing projects will be discussed below.
2.2.1. Modernist Theory
The Modernist Theory calls for a major transformation in the institution of traditional leaders and rural housing design so as to meet the requirements of a modern, non-sexist and non-racial democracy. Such changes expect to bridge a gap between rural and urban areas. These changes have led to the adoption of urban housing approach in rural areas, which undermines people's culture and identity. Under modernist theory there are three perspectives namely:
feminists, liberals and civics (Walker, 1994).
The Feminist Theory is primarily concerned with gender inequality in rural areas. This theory argues that the institution of traditional
leaders promotes gender inequalities, especially in rural areas since the institution is based on patriarchal norms and values. Therefore, the situation in rural areas demands attention with regards to housing, land tenure and women. Housing has immediate consequences for women because of their greater domestic responsibilities which include cooking, collecting water and firewood.
Aliyar and Shetty in Dandekaar (1993) argue that beside the hard work that women engage themselves in including agricultural production; women need to have a greater voice in the creation of their homes. As a result women are rarely considered during formulation of policy or during implementation of local projects and yet they are directly and often adversely affected by inappropriate shelter (Dandekar, 1993). The discussion shows the importance of involving women gradually in the designing and building of their homes.
Walker (1994) tries to solve the problem of redressing past imbalances when he argues that the key institutions in rural societies need to be radically transformed, especially local government. In addition, the legitimating discourses of 'tradition', custom' and 'African culture' should also be transformed to meet contemporary goals of a non- racial and non-sexist society. In order to address these disadvantages Walker (1994) argues that key institutions such as traditional authorities, customary law, polygamy, and the male-dominated homestead must be taken into consideration. Therefore there is a need for refashioning of custom to fit the contemporary goals of a modern society.
Bekker (1994:200) argues under Liberal Theory that the traditional leaders' institution is against the precepts of a democratic society.
Basically, the liberals argue that it is male centredness, hereditary title, its racial and tribal nature present problems to achieving democracy. These problems make it impossible to get rid of the incompetentones. Radcliffe-Brown and Forde( 1994) argue that the
authority of the traditional authority allows him considerable power to influence opinion so as to achieve particular goals. The argument put forward, shows the traditional authorities as people that hold all powers to influence the housing design for their communities. The Liberal Theory therefore sees the need for the communities to be fully involved in the development since it involves them. This theory gives community power to influence the rural housing design suitable for their areas.
Civic Theory sees no need for traditional leaders in local government because of being an institution that has no place in the local government and in the society and therefore, sees a need for them to be abolished (Walker, 1994). Since, local government is responsible for bringing about development in rural areas; therefore they should be given full control without any interference from the traditional leader's side.
2.2.2. Traditionalist Theory
The Traditionalist Theory sees a need to preserve culture at all cost so that even the design used has to reflect the identity of rural people.
Therefore, this theory sees no need for the planners to look abroad for solutions when designing housing for rural people because that can result in traditional values of village life being lost.
According to the Traditionalist Theory, it is essential to discuss the importance of culture as it plays a significant role in people's lives by influencing the way they think, behave and the decisions that people take depend on the culture prevalent in the particular community.
According to this theory, it is the traditional authorities' responsibility to choose how to develop, plan, design, build and maintain the built environment mostly because such factors must reveal cultural aspects in them. Therefore, the appearance of the built form in rural areas must respond to the present needs without compromising the ability
of the future generations to meet their own needs (Brundtland Report, WCED.1987).
The Traditional Theory also believes that the institution of traditional leaders is at the heart of rural governance, political stability and successful policy implementation. Tribal authorities are essentially political, social, and economic structures and they symbolise and maintain socio-political order, which is necessary for rural development. Traditional leaders act as a symbol of unity, maintain peace, preserve customs and culture, allocate land to subjects, resolve disputes and faction fights, promote the identity of communities and pulmugate tribal regulations (Keulder,1998). All this aspects should be reflected in the traditional dwellings so as to keep the culture alive for the next generation to come.
The study shows different arguments between the Modernist Theory and the Traditional Theory on how rural development should be carried out. It advocates that the people concerned are involved in their development. The Modernist Theory sees integrated development as the only tool of overcoming the past imbalances by adopting urban type design in rural areas and promoting gender equality. This theory also sees the need to restructuring the role played by the traditional authorities since it is bias and men-dominated. Therefore, the rural housing policy needs to be revisited to ensure that all rural communities are accommodated during decision-making and satisfied with their living conditions. The Traditionalist Theory on the other hand sees the role played by the traditional authorities as a crucial one and that needs to be passed on from one generation to the other.
This shows the importance of culture preservation in the built environment since it symbolises one's sense of identity.