MPM / OR Tambo Institute of Governance and Policy Studies / There is a problem with the involvement of women on governance within traditional communities in South Africa. Consequently, the socio-political and cultural constraints narrow the potential of women and the otherwise untapped women contribution to the growing economy. This study investigates the involvement of women in governance within traditional communities in South Africa using the Ga- Machaka Village in Molemole Local Municipality as a case in point. Using the mixed method research approach, the study indicates that women in traditional communities are looked down upon and are disadvantaged from being part of governance and public administration based on gender terms. The study indicates that traditional communities in South Africa implicate negatively on women’s independent rights such as direct and equal opportunity to job offers. This is exacerbated by the customary inclination of women as house wives. The involvement of women in governance and public administration is somehow stifled within traditional communities as discussed in this study. / NRF