Programmes
Peace-building
2008
The Role Of Ward Committees In Enhancing Participatory Local Governance And Development In South Africa Evidence From Six Ward Committee Case Studies (Research Paper)
"Ward committees have been the focus of considerable attention by government as well as civil society, with substantial investment already made in an attempt to ensure that these structures have the necessary capacity and resources required for them to fulfil their envisaged roles as the “voice” of communities. At the same time, questions have been asked about how effective these institutions actually are; whether they are useful conduits for community involvement in local governance; whether, as “created spaces” for public participation, they are inherently capable of playing the critical role expected of them; and whether they create opportunities for real power-sharing between municipalities and citizens." [excerpt taken from the Introduction]
Submission on the Proposed Land Use Management Bill
The Project presented this submission to the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Land Affairs. These comments specifically address the constitutional interpretation of municipalities’ role with respect to land use management.
Submission on Public Administration Management Bill
The Local Government Project comments on how the draft Public Administration Bill will impact local government.
Institutional Subsidiarity in the SA Constitution
Subsidiarity is a general principle that says that governance should take place as close as possible to the citizens. It translates into protection of lower levels of government against undue interference by other spheres and into a preference for placing functions and powers at lower levels of government where possible. The South African Constitution was influenced by this principle even though it is not mentioned explicitly.
Assessing Municipal accountability tools
Municipal accountability can be established through various types of instruments. Some of these instruments directly establish accountability. Other types of instruments do not directly establish accountability but facilitate the flow of information on government conduct and performance which, in turn, are essential for the purpose of establishing accountability.
The Strangulation of Local Government
Strangulation or overregulation takes a number of forms. A direct command that effectively eliminates discretion is certainly the clearest form. The more invidious form is when it is indirect, where the sheer complexity or cost of regulation stifles initiative. This often is linked to the uniformity of the legal regime; for the more capable municipalities it is a bearable burden but for the lesser endowed ones, it becomes an obstacle in the way of governance.
Assessing Municipal accountability tools
Municipal accountability can be established through various types of instruments. Some of these instruments directly establish accountability. Other types of instruments do not directly establish accountability but facilitate the flow of information on government conduct and performance which, in turn, are essential for the purpose of establishing accountability.
Redefining The Political Structure Of District Municipalities
The reality of the current functioning of district municipalities is that even where the context suggests that there is potential for the district system to work in rural areas, the instances of success are limited. A key problem is the dysfunctional relationship between districts and local councils. This paper explores some options on the restructuring of the political structure of district municipalities.
Redefining The Political Structure Of District Municipalities
This paper explores some options on the restructuring of the political structure of district municipalities.
LGB February/March 2008 (Vol. 10 No 1)
The Local Government Bulletin is celebrating its tenth year in production. As with local government, it has evolved beyond recognition over the last decade and has grown to become an integral part of many a good councillor and official’s daily toolkit
