The implications of local government constitutional provisions have not been fully debated hence the gap that MSU and CLGF sought to close through debate leading to this edited volume. The debate recognised limited progress in implementing relevant provisions of the Constitution particularly the core ideals of devolution which remain contentious suggesting need for an implementation framework and plan. Such a framework would guide reforms of relevant administrative structures and relations. Currently these remain unchanged and thus constitute an implementation drag. The ‘dragging’ is seen in re-centralisation of local authority functions and spaces suggesting that the devolution agenda is not yet fully institutionalised. Changes in local government now require a constitutional rather than legislative changes and policy directives. The right to govern, the right to services and space for citizen participation are provided for in ways that usher a new dispensation for both national and local governance. Local government constitutionalisation is accompanied by a guaranteed sharing of national resources (at least 5%) between the national and sub-national tiers of government. Contributions in this volume provide an in-depth understanding on the constitutional provisions on local government and search for trajectories critical for entrenching the mechanisms needed to implement and optimise those provisions. Much of the discussion on local government constitutionalisation has hitherto been limited to realignment of laws. It did not engage with deeper governance transformations anticipated in the constitution. As such, this paper teases out key questions and reflects on possible avenues for making the constitution live. The paper generates preliminary yet foundational knowledge to guide further debate and practical processes needed for local-national constitutionalism post 2013. Important governance issues need not continue to be usurped by party political actors and interests.

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.