Before the democratic elections in 1994, traditional leaders were considered to be unaccountable, autocratic and feared. Elected local municipalities, established since 1995, now bear responsibility for most service delivery and local economic development. Traditional leaders continue, however, to oversee the allocation of land and use of natural resources such as forests. Rivalry between chiefs and councillors is delaying development initiatives and reinforcing community divisions as people are forced to take sides.

See also: ID21 http://www.id21.org/zinter/id21zinter.exe?a=0&i=s8bel1g1&u=44eb6d84