The prospects for developmental local government in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.

Abstract

The prospects for the establishment of a system of developmental local government in South Africa appear to be dim. This dissertation examines development delivery in the broader state/market debate. From this debate a clear role is developed for local government as an agent of delivery. This type of local government is characterised by strength and a developmental outlook. An analysis is provided of the history of local government, as well as the legislation and policy that has been out in place to facilitate the transition between apartheid and post-apartheid local government. Through a series of interviews, participant knowledge and data collection, an assessment of the Mooi River TLC is made in terms of its strength and its developmental outlook. The future of local government is found to be constrained by a historical legacy as well as by the actions of groupings inside and outside the local sphere.