As the level of government closest to communities, local councils are well-placed to promote efforts for reconciliation and nation-building. Before South Africa’s advent to democracy, racial discrimination in service delivery and spatial segregation were some of the defining features of the local government system. When the process of democracy started, particularly at the local government level, municipalities became crucial agents of transformation in the rebuilding of local communities and environments as the basis for a democratic, integrated and truly non-racial society. This goal of local government transformation was directed at removing the racial basis of government and making it a tool for societal integration and the redistribution of municipal services from the well-off to the poor.
When the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 finally recognised South Africa as a sovereign democratic state grounded in the principles of human rights, freedom and nonracialism, local governments were also recognised as key role- players in the promotion of national unity, social cohesion and reconciliation, Constitutional democracy, human rights, and equality. Among the accomplishments of this transformation are the increased numbers of people who now have access to municipal services that many of them did not previously have as well as the creation of liveable and socially integrated cities and towns. It is against this background that the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), as the national voice of the country’s 257 local councils, joins together with government, nongovernmental organisations, corporate bodies, and civil society to celebrate Reconciliation Month by reigniting the fire of determination to see the unfinished business of reconciliation and nation-building through.
SALGA Calendar 2022
The following commemorative events are to be reverenced and remembered b every member of SALGA.
• World AIDS Day is commemorated each year on the 1st of December and is an opportunity for every community to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV and remember those who have died.
• International Anti-Corruption Day is commemorated annually on 9 December. This day provides an opportunity for political leaders, governments, legal bodies, and lobby groups to join forces against corruption.
• International Human Rights Day is marked every year on 10 December with activities led by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
• In South Africa, Human Rights Day is commemorated annually on 21 March to remind South Africans about the sacrifices that accompanied the struggle for the attainment of democracy in South Africa.
• The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 18 December International Migrants Day on 4 December 2000. The International convention on the protection of the rights of all migrant workers and members of their families was adopted on 18 December 1990 (Resolution 45/158).

QUESTION 1 (10 Marks)
Making reference to the case study, discuss analytical perspectives of development in its historical dimensions and in relation to future development.

QUESTION 2 (10 Marks)
With reference to the case study, provide a narrative discussion on the negative impact on development and poverty alleviation programmes in South Africa by the local government.

QUESTION 3 (5 marks)
Discuss population growth as a developmental problem and attempt to show its importance to development and poverty alleviation programmes.

QUESTION 4 (5 marks)
Explain crisis of planning with a view that planning is not the panacea for all development problems.

Answers to Above Questions on Local Governments

Answer 1: Analysis of the given case study indicates that it is based on the local council’s role in promoting national building and all round development in South Africa. The given case study is in to analyse using three important analytical perspectives such as historical, socio political and sustainable development.

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