Detribalizing Africa?

The extent to which elements of African 'traditions' were, or are being, invented has been discussed by Africanists for a while now. This discussion has, however, hardly moved from the academy into politics . . . until now. South Africa recently cut down the number of traditional chiefs it recognizes from 13 to 7 arguing that those who did not make the cut were appointed by apartheid governments with the intention of dividing the people. It may well be that this is a move designed to save the country some money since funds are allocated to each traditional chief. However, the move is one of the rare occasions where the debates of scholars have political ramification. It may not be necessary to reduce the number of chieftaincy in order to unite the people but doing so may help the process of unity by not unnecessarily multiplying identities. The move may lead to further dispute but the reason given for the move is historically sound and may foster unity. Such moves may help end situations like this one in Kenya.