(a)    International context and international law

-       decentralisation as a peace making device and accommodation of diversity;

-       decentralisation and good governance;

-       decentralisation and development.

(b)   Constitutional and legal frameworks for decentralised government with a focus on South Africa

-       Constitutional law on decentralisation and intergovernmental relations

-       Analysing various modalities of joint rule and shared rule

This module will look at the drivers and rationale for decentralisation. Particular attention will be paid to the benefits and dangers of decentralisation from a development economics perspective. The international and continental framework on local government (European Charter on Local Self Government, draft African charters on local government, NEPAD and APRM) will be analysed as part of the course. The South African legal framework on decentralisation (provincial and local governments) will be examined.