Capable and effective local government is central to the South African government’s developmental agenda. The primary aim of this programme is to investigate the factors that undermine this capability and effectiveness. The programme focuses on the study of the reality of administration and politics in municipalities and in their intergovernmental relations, on the factors that shape this reality and on the systems and mechanisms in place to support this reality.
We adopt a variety of approaches to the study of local government, with a strong focus on qualitative methods to obtain insights from the point of view of those located inside local government. The aim of our research is twofold: firstly, to make a contribution to literature on local governance, administration and democracy, and secondly, to make a meaningful impact on the outcomes of local government.
Research under this programme tackles:
- Urban governance
- Municipal finance
- Coalition governance
Lead: Jugal Mahabir, jugalm@pari.org.za
Researchers: Federica Duca, Gaynor Paradza, Tracy Ledger, Kate Tissington