Objective of the study. This study is about the intergovernmental fiscal relations in South Africa. The primary objective is to review the international experience of fiscal decentralisation with the view to providing answers to the issue of revenue sharing, problems of expenditure and revenue assignment, and the impact of the whole decentralization on the size of the public sector in South Africa. Methodology. The methodology adopted in this study includes (1) a review and comparison of the practise of fiscal decentralisation in four countries, and (2) an econometric investigation into the impact of fiscal decentralisation on the size of the public sector, using time series quarterly data for the period 1993/94 to the second quarter of 1998/99. Regarding the econometric investigation, a single linear regression model including fiscal decentralisation, fiscal collusion, income and population are assumed to influence the size of the public sector. Study Findings. Our analysis provides certain interesting results. First, the countries reviewed tend to assign functions in a manner that is consistent with the public finance theory that functions that are distributive in nature and those that are meant to ensure the country's stability should be reserved exclusively for the federal or national government. Whereas the Australian, Canadian and Brazilian's revenue decentralization show a number of significant taxes that are devolved to the lower levels of government, Germany represents a strong collection at the center. The discrepancy is compensated for by the use of equalization grants in the German model. Second, fiscal decentralisation is found to exert a negative influence on the size of the public sector, although the impact is statistically not significant. The insignificance of the impact of fiscal decentralisation on the size of the public sector is explained in terms of the fact that there has, in fact, been very little decentralisation in South Africa. The size of the provincial and local government own source revenue relative to the consolidated general government expenditure is very little, pointing to the serious lack of revenue raising powers by the sub-national governments and thus the absence of any meaningful extent of decentralisation. Third fiscal-collusion exerts a significant negative influence on the size of the public sector. That is, the size of the public sector will reduce if provinces and local authorities are granted enough power to raise their own revenues. This result indicates that the massive transfers of revenue from the national government to the provinces and local authorities (revenue sharing) significantly reinforces the expanding influence of the decentralised expenditures financed through revenue transfers. Fourth, the overall size of the country's population is found to be inversely related to the size of the public sector supporting the argument that as population increases, economies in providing services are reaped. / Thesis (M.Com.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1999.

The year 1994 marked the dawn of the new democratic South Africa, bringing its own set of challenges to the country. Currently urban areas cover only one and a half percent of South Africa’s surface area. However, sixty one percent of South Africans live in urban areas. Furthermore, the average growth rate for urban areas has been consistently higher than the population growth rate during the period from 1998 to 2008. This resulted in larger towns and cities, growing at the expense of rural areas, with metropolitan areas experiencing the highest influx, followed by secondary cities. However, urban areas consume more water, food, energy, and durable goods, and have an impact far beyond the urban boundaries. This directly relates to urban decline. The rapid influx of people into urban areas that are already overcrowded with large service delivery backlogs, has led to the formation of informal settlements in exposed locations. Many of the informal dwellings in South Africa are subjected to environmental factors. The absence of basic services in overcrowded areas is linked to negative health outcomes and enhanced environmental degradation. This study is a critical review of a phenomenon named urban resilience. The report seeks to highlight the current status in cities and the transformation that cities need to undergo to enable them to become the cities of tomorrow. Indeed, “sustainable future cities and human settlements begin today”. The paper raises arguments on urban resilience by different theorists, philosophers, academics and scholars. The study proceeds to unpack the urban resilience determinants. Furthermore, the challenges cites will experience in responding to rapid urbanisation and their denial attitude to informal settlement and environmental degradation, which include how cities respond to climate change, are under investigation . The purpose of the study is to share the theoretical framework relative to the urban resilience determinants, with the intention to solicit criticism on gaps and blind spots. This is done with specific reference to Buffalo City Municipality. This study aims to contribute to the goals of municipalities by improving understanding of the drivers of urban resilience. This will, in turn, enable a city system to withstand and recover quickly from multiple and diverse shocks and stresses, and improve its performance over time. However, this study was conducted within a qualitative paradigm. The study followed a non-probability sampling technique. Categories of data sources were identified based on their probability to hold information that is crucial to the study. For each category, this study followed a 50 + 1 rule for sampling size when the population of the data sources were identified and access gained. he statistical software (SPSS) supported by a qualified statistician was used to analyse data qualitatively in attempt to answer the research question.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Sustainable rural development is currently one of the priority items for the South African government. Agricultural advancement, high rates of unemployment, widespread poverty, a lack of access to employment opportunities, transport, education and other services, skewed land ownership patterns that are partly due to Apartheid policies, a lack of access to land and numerous social and health‐related issues are just some of the problems that rural communities are currently faced with. This study focuses mainly on the spatial planning aspects of rural development and it explores the possibilities of adaptating strategies from the New Urbanism and New Ruralism movements, together with a number of tools typically associated with sustainable rural development, for use in the South African context. Through the study of available literature on the subject, personal interviews and practical experience, a range of strategies have been investigated and a selected number have been identified that may be applicable to the local context. A number of case studies are assessed, which include a new model being implemented at Crossways Farm Village in the Eastern Cape which combines elements from the above‐mentioned approaches. From some of the results achieved to date it seems that the implementation of these particular spatial planning models, combined with models like the biosphere concept that focuses on biodiversity, together with a range of additional socio‐economic strategies, may contribute to the promotion of sustainable rural development in South Africa. It is hoped that this study shows the potential and challenges of these spatial planning models as a tool for sustainable rural development, and that it may lead to further study on the subject. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Volhoubare landelike ontwikkeling is tans een van die prioriteitsitems vir die Suid‐ Afrikaanse regering. Landboukundige vooruitgang, hoë vlakke van werkloosheid, wyd verspreide armoede, ‘n tekort aan toegang tot werksgeleenthede, vervoer, onderwys en ander dienste, verwronge patrone van grondbesit wat deels toegeskryf kan word aan Apartheidsbeleide, ‘n tekort aan toegang tot grond en talle sosiale‐ en gesondheidskwessies is net ‘n paar van die probleme waarmee landelike gemeenskappe tans gekonfronteer is. Hierdie studie fokus hoofsaaklik op die ruimtelike beplanningsaspekte van landelike ontwikkeling en dit ondersoek die moontlikhede om strategië van die New Urbanism en New Ruralism bewegings, tesame met ‘n aantal werktuie wat tipies met volhoubare landelike ontwikkeling geassosieër word, te gebruik in die Suid‐Afrikaanse konteks. Deur die studie van die beskikbare literatuur oor die onderwerp, persoonlike onderhoude en praktiese ondervinding, word ‘n reeks strategië ondersoek en ‘n uitgekose aantal word geidentifiseer wat moontlik van toepassing kan wees op die plaaslike konteks. Daar word verwys na ‘n aantal gevallestudies, wat ook ‘n nuwe model insluit wat tans op Crossways Farm Village in die Oos‐Kaap geimplementeer word, wat elemente van die bogenoemde benaderings kombineer. Van sommige van die resultate wat tot op hede verkry is, blyk dit dat die implementering van hierdie spesifieke ruimtelike beplanningsmodelle, gekombineer met modelle soos die biosfeer konsep wat fokus op biodiversiteit, tesame met ‘n reeks addisionele sosioekonomiese strategië, moontlik mag bydra tot die bevordering van volhoubare landelike ontwikkeling in Suid‐Afrika. Daar word gehoop dat hierdie studie die potensiaal en die uitdagings wys van hierdie ruimtelike beplanningsmodelle as ‘n werktuig vir volhoubare landelike ontwikkeling en dat dit mag lei tot verdere studie oor die onderwerp.

The dissertation has three major objectives. The first is to examine the relation between the nature and trajectory of urban and regional planning in South Africa, and developments within the, South African political economy of which it is an integral part. The second is to contribute to the sparse literature on the history of urban and regional planning in South Africa. The third is to consider the historical record on and the prospects for facilitating progressive social change through planning in South Africa. An empirical analysis of the history of urban and regional planning for the period 1900 to 1988 provides the basis for the achievement of all three objectives. In attempting to fulfil the first objective Sate emphasis is placed on examining the relationship between territorial apartheid and planning. The experiential basis of the distinction often made between planning and apartheid by South African planners is explored. The conclusion reached is that whilst a distinction between the trajectory of professional town planning and territorial apartheid is sustainable, there has also been a very substantial measure of articulation. Special emphasis is also given to examining the relationship between planning and the specific nature and history of the accumulation process in South Africa. In this regard it is concluded that the accumulation process has bone both an indirect and direct relation to planning at different junctures. At times the trajectory of accumulation has simply provided a context which has affected the definition of social priorities and placed limits on what could be pursued through planning. At other times the momentum of accumulation has quite directly affected planning, providing opportunities for or requiring responses from planners. As far as the record on the social role played by planners is concerned, it is concluded that planning has not cut a particularly progressive profile. The emergence of a progressive planning movement in South Africa is however noted. Possibilities for pursuing progressive practices are identified against the background of a detailed analysis of the contemporary period. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1989.

The regionalisation of politics on a global scale, Call be seen as one of the defining features of contemporary international relations. Given this phenomenon, the tasks which confronted this thesis, was to consider the conditions and requirements necessary within the Southern African region to build an all-embracing developed regional order. The urgency with which the latter task should be undertaken, is premised on an increased realisation that the region, and indeed the continent as a whole, are becoming of lesser significance in international affairs. However, a number of impediments will have to be overcome, before the goal of a developed regional order can be achieved, which will contribute to lasting security in the region. Foremost amongst many issues, is how to employ the approaches to integration, in attempting to explain how the goal of a developed order should be achieved. A second problem which this thesis was confronted with, relates to which organisation shoulO be' considered the best vehicle, to drive the integration process forward- COMESA, SACU or SADC. The decision take SADC as the organisation to drive the integration process forward, is premised on a number of factors. Amongst many, it qualifies in geographical terms as a region, the historical linkages of the countries of the region (based on their fight against apartheid, division of labour, etc.), serves as a basis for building a sense of community. Thirdly its institutions can be developed to achieve the goal of an all-embracing regional order. Lastly and most importantly, SADC realises that regional integration will remain unattainable without the involvement of the peoples of Southern Africa. The identification of the organisation to drive the integration process forward, serves to bolster moves towards a maximalist order. However, significant changes in the structure and institutions of SADC is necessary, before it can be considered an all-embracing and developed regional order. Not suprisingly, therefore, we have witness a number of institutional changes to the SADC structures. Amongst many, the establishment of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security , the signing of the SADC Trade Facilitation Protocol, and the commitment to democracy and a human rights culture, are most significant and will, it is hoped, provide the building-blocks for deeper integration in Southern Africa. Apart from the above, which occur between and among the states of the region, steps are underway between and among the agents of civil society to work closely with each other, to establish a regional civil society. Most notably, the establishment of a media society for Southern Africa, the calls by COSATU for a Social Charter with a regional flavour, the establishment of environmental and human rights networks, and the support for the Gay and Lesbian Movement of Zimbabwe (GALZ), represent landmarks, in the search for a developed regional order. However, the reluctance of the governments of the Southern African countries, to consult with the NGOs, before the adoption of the Organ Politics, clearly bears testimony to their present inability to take the necessary steps needed to move from a minimalist to a maximalist conception of regional organisation. The suggestion of this thesis is that the move-away from minimalism to maximalism can be facilitated by the development of a political centre-around which both governments and NGO activities can be articulated, since both are primarily concerned with the security and welfare of the Southern African region.

This research outlines the challenges facing the implementation of the IDP in the Motherwell Township. Firstly, it is the physical setting and background of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. Secondly, it is the brief background on IDP. Thirdly, it is the legislative framework for the IDP implementation. Fourthly it will be the discussion on the importance of the study. It is followed by the objectives of the study and the research methodology. The discussion on the literature review is also covered. Lastly, It is the chapter on recommendations and a conclusion.

Local Government has a critical role to play in rebuilding local communities and environments as the basis for a democratic, integrated prosperous and truly non-racial society and this is enshrined in Chapter 7 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 108 of 1996. The key focus area of this research study is the evaluation of the impact of Public Participation on the formulation and implementation of the Integrated Development Plan in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality for the period 2004 – 2008. This research study has two aims that are related to public participation in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and they are: - To evaluate the impact of public participation in the Integrated Development Plan in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and whether public participation is seen as a vehicle to enhance policy formulation and implementation or not especially with respect to community ownership of the Integrated Development Plan. To provide strategies/mechanisms to remedy the situation. The research study is people focused and the methodogical approach that is used in this investigation is qualitative and quantitative. The target groups for this research is the Community residing in the jurisdiction area of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Metro Councillors and Municipal Officials.

Institute for Rural Development / PhDRDV

Institute for Rural Development / PhDRDV

Department of Geography and Geo-Information Sciences / MENVSC / The focus of the study is on the comparative assessment of Rural Development Programmes between Sidou and Malavuwe Village within Ward 22 of the Thulamela Municipality. The study aims to investigate the gap that exists between effective programme implementation and less effective programme implementation in rural areas. To achieve this, the study uses Malavuwe Village as a control village and Sidou Village as an experiment village. The study found that there was a discrepancy in service delivery between the two villages; more services were delivered effectively at Malavuwe than at Sidou Village. The study further investigates the causes of this discrepancy in service delivery between the two villages and also suggests feasible approaches that can be employed by the Thulamela Municipality to enhance programme implementation and service delivery within the study area. The study found that Sidou Village lacked community services such as clinics, high schools, community halls, sporting facilities and income generating community projects. On the contrary, Malavuwe Village had most community services. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that the Thulamela Municipality should ensure thorough provision of services and encourage community participation through consultation and partnership at Sidou Village. Such an approach will be bottom-up and will encourage community members at Sidou Village to be actively involved in the prioritisation and implementation of vital services, thus raising the socioeconomic conditions and infrastructure development in the village