Examination of centralisation practices in South African local government
Master Thesis
2011
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
Democratic decentralisation in South Africa was undertaken
as part of post-apartheid restructuring. This signified a shift on local
government's status from being a tier to being a sphere with its own and powers functions.
The empowerment of local government is evident in five tested indicators, which are the areas
that are empowered to lift local government's autonomy as stipulated in the constitution and
in supporting legislations. These areas include legal, financial, functional, human resources
and public participation. However, these areas are facing challenges which lead to scholars
and government to view local government as inefficient and ineffective. As a result, central
government is intervening in local government's affairs claiming to ensure the intended
constitutional objectives.This dissertation examines the evidence of centralisation by
testing five areas that are constitutionally empowered to ensure democratic decentralisation.
In South Africa, these indicators are evident in empowering of local government based on the
national legislations and supporting local government policies. However, the central
government's interference has undermined these powers and function.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 80-94).
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Reference:
Moya, H. 2011. Examination of centralisation practices in South African local government. University of Cape Town.