As the Eastern Cape moves towards the finalisation of its Rural Development Strategy, a significant amount of resources is being re-directed to rural development activities. As such the different spheres of government must find their space in the improvement of the lives of rural people.

Ever since the introduction of elected leadership in wards through the councilors and ward committees, there has been a power struggle between the democratic and the traditional structures of leadership at the expense of development. Yet, these sets of leadership are crucial to the successful implementation of the rural development programme. How can we achieve a harmonious working relationship between the two sets of leadership for the benefit of the people?