Answer to Question #254337 in Political Science for Gal

Question

What effect has decentralisation had on stimulating local economic and political development in south Africa, discuss whether national policy frameworks and formulas have enhanced or undermined local government

Answer 1

When South Africa emerged in 1994, the country experienced economic inequalities that had to be solved immediately (Feinstein, 2015). The government passed powers to institutions and actors at lower levels in a territorial and political-administrative hierarchy. Decentralization enables the effectiveness of the public sector because it promotes innovation in the management and production of public services. The government becomes more accountable to the citizens. This prevents misuse of funds through corruption or overspending of the revenue generated from taxes (Feinstein, 2015). Politically, decentralization has promoted more choices for voters; hence, their needs are outlined and solved immediately.

The national policy frameworks and formulas have enhanced the local government because it helps to set out certain goals and target execution measures. Also, the national policy frameworks and formulas assist in allocating human and financial resources. Also, the framework produces local plans for major government development projects. The government applies the policy frameworks to make critical decisions.

References

Feinstein, A. (2015). Decentralization: The South African Experience. Global Partners. https://gpgovernance.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Decentralisaion-the-south-african-experience-feinstein1.pdf