Mechanisms for promoting socio-economic development at the local level in South Africa

Abstract

In South Africa the promotion of social and economic development by local governments is not addressed in any structured way. Lack of power and sources of income of local govern­ments, the strong central government system, and the present political dis­pensation are reasons for this short­coming. Local government is the level of gov­ernment closest to the people and should therefore be the first to become aware of socio-economic problems. Rapid urbanization and the expected democratization of local governments will make it imperative that local governments increasingly take more responsibility for socio-economic problems. In this article new systems at the municipal level are proposed for monitoring and addressing social problems, and for the continuous promotion of a climate conducive for economic development. Regional coordination and continuous liaison with interest groups, civics, NGOs (Non Governmental Organizations) and central government form part of the proposed system.