Harnessing information and communication technology (ICT) framework into African traditional governance for effective Knowledge sharing

Many South African (70%) depend on traditional governance for social and economic development. However the duties of traditional leaders towards the citizens and the government in power are always marred with fundamental problem related to dissemination of indigenous information. This paper investigated the roles and functions of traditional leaders and how ICT is applied in execution of their duties in the North West Province of South Africa. A case study approach was used. Nine participants were drawn from population of traditional leaders. Data was collected using semi-structured individual interviews to inquire about the roles and functions of traditional leaders, availability of ICT tools and how these ICT tools support their work process. The findings revealed that traditional leaders perform functions which included protection of the rural local communities’, customs, cultural values, and leadership provision. Further findings indicated, computers are not used to support routine work activities of the traditional leaders such as record keeping, management of cases and information from municipal offices. The findings lead to a proposed ICT Framework for African Traditional Governance which could assists traditional leaders to automate their work process and to share information with municipal managers in district offices to facilitate effective governance. In addition the ICT framework is to provide a repository where all indigenous knowledge, rules and procedures are stored for future generation.