In addition, the powers and obligations of the leaders were dictated by the state and management bodies were not represented in central government in any way. This had drastic consequences as Blacks under “White territory” could not elect and appoint their own leader, making inheritance of leadership according to family ties null and void. Thus, a Black leader of a body could be appointed or relieved of his duties by the government of the time. Certain Non-White management bodies were allowed to function, but the state still had full control over such bodies and freedom of decision making was governed by the state. Non-Whites could not be elected for government and were denied the right to direct representation, even by a White person.

The right to vote was also limited to White citizens only. This became part of the constitution in 1854, and included those who were in possession of land and who may have been able to claim their right to it. In the early days of the Free State, citizenship was limited to the White population only.

Boer township definition