Amalgamation of South Africa’s rural municipalities: is it a good idea?

Mkhululi Ncube; Jabulile Monnakgotla

doi:10.5130/cjlg.v0i19.5487

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Published: Apr 21, 2017

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5130/cjlg.v0i19.5487

Mkhululi Ncube

Local Government Unit Financial and Fiscal Commission

Jabulile Monnakgotla

Development Policy Research Unit University of Cape Town

Abstract

The majority of South African municipalities facing the challenges of unemployment, poverty and weak infrastructure are in rural areas. To fulfil their mandate, they depend significantly on financial transfers. This is something that the government is focused on minimising as evidenced by the recent Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs proposal of amalgamating many municipalities to make them self-reliant and functional. This paper asks the question: ‘will amalgamations of rural municipalities correct for financial viability and functionality’? Using case studies of amalgamated municipalities, the paper observes that amalgamations will not make all rural municipalities self-sufficient and functional.

How to Cite

Ncube, M., & Monnakgotla, J. (2017). Amalgamation of South Africa’s rural municipalities: is it a good idea?. Commonwealth Journal of Local Governance, 75-95. https://doi.org/10.5130/cjlg.v0i19.5487

Issue

Issue 19 2016

Section

Research and Evaluation (peer-reviewed)

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