Commonwealth Local Government Forum

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Southern Africa \ Local democracy

This section contains information relating to all aspects of lcoal democracy and good governance at the local level. The Commonwealth principles on good practice for local democracy and good governance - known as the Aberdeen Agenda - which have been adopted by all CLGF members and are incorporated in the Commonwealth Charter, set the framework for the promotion of local democracy in the Commonwealth. The materials in this section relate to the constitutional and legal provisions for local government and include a range of studies, policy and training materials on local elections, leadership, community participation, representative local government, local government management and partnerships between local government and other key stakeholders such as traditional authorities.

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The local government system in Botswana

This profile of the local government system in Botswana is structured to enable easy comparison across the countries of the Commonwealth. The profile includes an overview of the government system, the legal basis for and structure of local government, elections and women’s representation, intergovernmental relations, systems for community involvement, organised local government, intergovernmental relations, monitoring systems, finance, staffing and resources, and distribution of service delivery responsibility. 

Author: CLGF Publisher: Publications UK Publication year: 2015

Service delivery: focus on dipaleseng local municipality: Mpumalanga

The supply or lack of services impacts on people's quality of life, and so the Constitution of South Africa and other strategy documents emphasise the provision of services to all South African citizens irrespective of colour or creed. The services are vast and the responsibility for provision is divided between national, provincial and local authorities. This paper focuses on the delivery of services whose responsibility and accountability lies with the local municipalities, including: water; electricity; sanitation and refuse removal. The paper also explores the background to the recent unrest in the country with a focus on Dipaleseng Municipality, looking at its socio-economic situation, and challenges which include poverty, economic stability and provision of basic services. Sources of data include the South African media, journal articles, relevant documents, websites and databases.

Author: S'bonisile Zama Publisher: University of Technology Sydney Press Publication year: 2014

Local governments in Southern Africa: an analytical study of decentralisation, financing, service delivery and capacities

This study commissioned joinly by CLGF, the UNCDF and the UNDP provides a detailed analysis of the state of LG in Southern Africa focusing on four key thematic areas namely: Decentralization; LG Finance; Inclusive Service Delivery; and related LG Capacity. It is aimed at supporting the region’s efforts towards decentralized governance and local development. 

Author: CLGF Publisher: CLGF Publication year: 2012

Role of local government in Botswana for effective service delivery: challenges, prospects and lessons

This paper begins with an explanation of the nature of local government in Botswana, its structures, and their functions and accomplishments since independence. It then proceeds to look at the challenges, and considers measures for meeting them. It ends by looking at future prospects and draws some lessons.

Author: Keshav C. Sharma Publisher: University of Technology Sydney Press Publication year: 2010

The local government system in Botswana

Botswana is a democratic republic with a two-tier system of government: central government is headed by the president, and local government headed by a mayor in towns/cities and a council chairperson in rural districts. There is no constitutional provision for local government the main legislative text is the Local Government Act 2012. The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development is charged with providing policy direction and guidance. Local government comprises 16 administrative districts (ten rural, six urban). Under thee there are 20 sub-districts including four administrative authorities. Governance at local level is also based on a traditional system of villages headed by a kgosi (chief). This traditional system works cooperatively with the district councils. Although councils have legal powers to collect certain taxes, levies and fees, central government provides over 90% of their total recurrent revenue. Statutory council functions include provision of primary education, infrastructure,tertiary and access roads, health and sanitation, economic and physical development, collection and management of waste, and general maintenance of law and order.

Publisher: CLGF

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