The institution of traditional leadership plays a crucial role in promoting social cohesion, peace and harmony in communities. In this sphere of the administration of justice, traditional leaders resolve disputes through traditional courts (Makgotla/ Inkundla). The importance of traditional courts derives from the fact that they are closest to the communities and use the language and methods that the community understands better than the procedures applied by formal courts. A traditional leader and his/he councillors sit in commune ("lekgotla"), hear the evidence of complainants and "accused" persons, and resolve disputes according to the cultural practices and customs applicable to the community in question. In contrast to the formal court system, traditional courts do not adhere to any prescribed or written set of rules. They are guided by the culture and tradition of the community in which they operate. In this way, justice is dispensed easily and quickly.