In the words of the author, "this book addresses an era that has since gone by, yet, in my humble view, it remains relevant to those who are interested in the recent history of the position of the institution of traditional leadership, especially at the time of transition from apartheid to democracy".

Providing insight into South African values and culture, this book is a comprehensive study of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa) and its role in history. Essentially, it examines the Contralesa's position during the Mass Democratic Movement's struggles in the late 1980s - when liberation movements were unbanned and their leaders were released from jail - as well as during the post-1994 era of Nelson Mandela.