The ignition has been turned on and the local government vehicle is now cruising, intent on effecting the local government programme. The Ministry of Local Government has therefore been inundated with, among others, briefs; training of trainers and capacity building courses for those officers and Councillors poised to drive this vehicle effectively and efficiently. 

Recently, senior officers from the Ministry at central level; District Administrators (DAs ) at the local level and; representatives from the donor communities (UNDP, GTZ and Commonwealth) gathered together to brainstorm, scrutinize, share experiences on a Report that was presented by Commonwealth Secretariat representative Mr. Munawwar Alam to the meeting. The Report discusses issues like capacity building for Councillors, proper allocation and usage of funds as well as most importantly, the relationship between Central and Local Government (local authorities such as district councils and community councils), how to strengthen the relationship among the local authorities themselves.

Central and Local Government Relations

As in other countries, local authorities in the country are creatures of a statute, the Local Government Act of 1997, which defines their powers, duties and responsibilities. This link puts local government in a close relationship with the Government. To this extent, local authorities cannot claim to have absolute autonomy and freedom to do as they please, but are subjected to the laws, rules and regulations they must observe closely.  

In other words, their overall supervision is the responsibility of the Ministry of Local Government, which ensures the proper management and administration of the Councils’ affairs. Of course the distinction here is that the local authorities will have power to administer their functions and make decisions about their developmental programmes, with Central Government responsible for major policy decisions and ascertaining that national standards, as are determined by the Government, are maintained for purposes of matters that may have budgetary implications. 

District and Community council Relationships

Membership of the District Council is through the appointment of representatives from the community councils. A Community Council should therefore be integrated with and surely be considered as an extension of the District Council in the area it is situated. Although the respective District Council could delegate some of the responsibilities to the Community Council, according to their competence, care must however be taken to make sure that proper arrangements for funding and accountability always rule. Thus through this arrangement a forum is established through which District Councils are able to reach people at the grass-roots level. Of course, the Community Councils can always establish joint ventures with neighbouring Councils on matters where they share common interests, and still be spot on! 

 Local Government for us all!!  

Tankiso Sephozo

03 August 2005