Socio-economic Dynamics of Dual Governance in Ntabamhlophe, South Africa: Implications for Community Experiences and SDG 16

This article examines the socio-economic dynamics of dual governance and highlights the implications for community experiences and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, which advocates for peaceful, inclusive and effective institutions. Based on semi-structured interviews with traditional authorities, municipal officials and community members, the study reveals that while dual governance creates opportunities, including the pooling of resources and skills in infrastructure projects, improved communication channels for community participation and the conservation of customary knowledge, persistent challenges remain. Issues such as unclearly defined roles and responsibilities, power imbalances and disputes, and political interests and instabilities undermine institutional effectiveness and hamper rural development. The findings necessitate targeted institutional reforms, the implementation of practical dispute-resolution mechanisms and the integration of customary knowledge into formal governance processes, all of which are crucial for advancing SDG 16 and improving rural development outcomes in South Africa.