News
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March 2010's Local Government Bulletin now available
This first issue for 2010 includes articles on Undermining local planning, Local Government Turnaround Strategy, Municipal rates policies, Service delivery, Women and local government & Local Government-related judgments.
The quality of local democracies: A study into the functionality of municipal governance arrangements
This study examines the legal framework for municipal governance and analyses whether, in practice, the relationships follow the pattern as intended in the law. More than thirty interviews were conducted with office-bearers, councillors and officials in five municipalities which differed according to size, location and success levels.
Working papers on Local Government in Zimbabwe
On 3-4 November 2009, the Community Law Centre saw the realisation of a much-anticipated regional collaboration. As part of its programme to establish learning networks and collaborative partnerships in the area of local government across Africa, the Centre hosted a “Policy Dialogue on the Future of Local Government in Zimbabwe.’ The seminar, which was held in Harare, brought together a diverse spectrum of local government practitioners to discuss issues related to local government in that country. Participants ranged from members of parliament, to civil society representatives, academics, government officials and independent consultants.
December's Local Government Bulletin is now available
This issue focuses on largely on debates around local government in Zimbabwe.
The latest Local Government Bulletin is available
This edition starts with a report on President Zuma address to all mayors and municipal managers and raised critical areas of concern regarding the performance of local government. At the subsequent Local Government Indaba, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs presented its State of Local Government report and a proposed framework for a local government turnaround strategy.
August 2009's Local Government Bulletin is now available
Find out what has been written about the Tenth Anniversary Celebration of the Local Government Bulletin; Vision 2011 and 2014 of the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs; The new State Liability Bill; Ward Funding Guidelines; Coping with Crunch Time; ‘Know your Epidemic, Know your Response’& The National Land Transport Act.
10th Anniversary of the Local Government Bulletin
This Conference was hosted by the Local Government Project of the Community Law Centre to celebrate 10 years of the publication, the Local Government Bulletin.
Local Government Bulletin, March 2009
This current issue has articles on Municipal Manager's Appointment, the Congress of the People (COPE), Water Service Delivery, Gender, HIV and Development & the Municipal Property Rates Act.
Institutional Tensions between Municipal Chairpersons and Executives: Speaking of Mayor Conflicts?
This researcher paper, co-authored by Prof Jaap de Visser, focuses on a particular aspect of municipal governance arrangements and practice, namely the office of the speaker and the implications of this office being introduced into municipal governance in South Africa in 2000.
Local Government Bulletin, November/ December 2008
This is the final issue for the year. It focuses on filling vacancies during political turmoil; implementing the Property Rates Act; the abolition of floor crossing & defining municipal health services.
The Role of Ward Committees in Enhancing Participatory Local Governance and Development in South Africa: Evidence from Six Ward Committee Case Studies
This booklet, written by Terence Smith & Prof Jaap de Visser, focuses on the legislative and policy provisions for ward committees; a review of key issues and challenges and findings of the ward committee case studies, as well as a comparative analysis of the findings. The report ends with some reflections on the implications of the findings and some policy and practical recommendations for improving the functioning of ward committees.
October's Local Government Bulletin is now available
Over the past weeks, the impact of the leadership change in the African National Congress on government has become patently visible. The most important change was obviously manifested in the resignation of the President, three provincial premiers and a number of national Cabinet members, including the Minister for Provincial and Local Government. These significant developments have raised critical questions about the impact that the politics of change will have on local government [excerpt taken from the Editorial]
Masters Programme on Local Government
The Community Law Centre offers a highly competitive research and training programme on local government and decentralisation in South Africa and the rest of Africa.
Parliamentary submissions
The Local Government Project has made a submission on the Draft Regulations of the Children's Act, 2005 and CSPRI made a submission on the Criminal Procedure Amendment Bill [B42 of 2008]
Latest issue of Local Government Bulletin is now available
The July/ August 2008 issue has articles on bulk electricity prices, guidelines for multilingualism in local government, local AIDS councils, and much more.
Submissions by Local Government Project
The Project has commented on the Western Cape Liquor Bill & Public Administration Management Bill (draft).
Local Government Law of South Africa Launched!
Prof Nico Steytler and Prof Jaap de Visser's book offers a comprehensive analysis of local government law specifically for legal practitioners, municipal officials, national and provincial officials involved in local government matters.
Review of Local Government
Five research papers on the Review of Local Government are available for download.
Latest Local Government Bulletin (April/ May 2008) is now available
This issue has articles on consequences of a single public administration; holding the Executive to account & much more.
The February/ March 2008 issue of Local Government Bulletin is now available
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 councilor and official’s daily toolkit.