Developmental local government challenges and progress in South Africa

Abstract

Through the renewed interest in good governance the development agenda is shifting focus in a country’s development processes by drawing attention to fundamental questions like appropriate governance structures, values and overall direction of the society. The scholarly discourse on local governance in developing countries is full of examples of ineffective administrations with an inward focus. Hence developmental local governments should have appropriate structures, values and strategic direction that refl ect more on an outward community focus. The purpose of this article is to provide a discussion of the complexities of governance in South African local government, in particular, to assess the signifi cance of the independence that municipalities have in the three spheres of government and the intergovernmental relations system. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996 stipulates that each sphere is distinctive, interrelated and interdependent, meaning that the functioning and execution of constitutional duties by the local government sphere should not be interfered with by the other spheres. Firstly, the article highlights the signifi cance of the existence of a local government sphere in a democratic environment. The discourse on local democracy in Africa, also takes into account the phenomenon of traditional leadership that is constitutionally recognised in South Africa and the role and functioning of traditional leaders in democratic government. The article also emphasises the fl aws that exist in the intergovernmental relations framework, which impacts negatively on the progress of municipalities. Furthermore, challenges facing the local government sphere will be discussed and suggestions for the improvement of municipalities will be made.