Problematiek en uitdagings van samewerkende regering

Abstract

The transformation process in South Africa brought about fundamental changes, especially in the area of inter-governmental relationship. Responsibilities, functions and powers of the three spheres of government (central, provincial and local) were changed and streamlined as put forward in the Constitution of South Africa Act 108 of 1996. The relationship between the different spheres of government must be seen against the background of the new democratic dispensation. Furthermore, the principle of co-operation between the different spheres of government emphasizes the dependency and interaction between theses spheres.

The question that arises over a decade of democracy in South Africa is whether the constitutional dispensation and specifically the principle of co-operative government is successful. What are the challenges facing co-operative government?

In this article the emphasis will fall on problems that relate to co-operative government and the challenges that need to be addressed by the central, provincial and local government.