In January 2007 the Department of Provincial and Local Government (dplg) was mandated to develop a white paper on provincial government and to review the white paper on local government by 2008.

The purpose of the review is to take stock of practice over the past thirteen years, and to derive lessons and insights that can inform specific and practical approaches to make the system of provincial and local government more efficient, accountable, equitable, and able to provide a better quality of service to South Africa. 

The policy review will focus on the most important issues emerging from the experience and practice of provincial and local government in our country. To this end, the dplg has classified the relevant issues and lessons that will be considered further in the process into five main thematic clusters. These themes form the framework and basis for the policy review, targeted research and further consultation, and will inform the structure of the white paper. They are substantially informed by research, submissions and experience.

1. The roles of provincial government and two-tier local government
2. Deepening local democracy, accountability and participation
3. Strengthening capacity to meet basic needs and enable sustainable development
4. Refining the intergovernmental roles, functions and fiscal frameworks of spheres
5. Making co-operative governance work more effectively and improving oversight, performance management, and the monitoring and evaluation system

Further work will be undertaken under each of these areas, leading to the release of a draft white paper in mid-2008 for further public consultation. The overall process will culminate in early 2009 when a white paper is submitted to cabinet.

For more information on the five thematic clusters, click here

For more information, visit the dplg website at www.dplg.gov.za or contact the dplg directly:

Tel.: +27 12 334 0600
Fax: +27 12 334 0603