A municipal structure for the KOSH area

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:South African local government is undergoing a critical process of transformation andrestructuring. New structures, institutions and systems which are being established change localgovernment to accomplish the developmental objectives of the society, improve service deliveryand ensure optimum governance. The study is aimed at investigating and examining the type ofmunicipal structure that has the capacity to achieve the objectives of local government. In thisregard, the status quo of municipalities in the KOSH (Klerksdorp, Orkney, Stilfontein andHartebeesfontein) area, a metropolitan municipality without sub-councils and an amalgamatedCategory B Municipality operating in the area of jurisdiction of Category C Municipality isexplored and critically examined.The hypothetical statement namely that the KOSH area requires a restructured, rekindled andrevitalised municipal structure and the amalgamation of unviable municipalities into a largerjurisdiction to sustain development, are tested. A review of new structures and systems of localgovernment in South Africa is made. In this regard the legal framework and context of themunicipal demarcation process, structures and systems is of paramount importance. A criticalanalysis of all municipalities in the KOSH area including the Southern District Council inrelation to their political and administrative components is made. The background and profileof each town and city in the KOSH area is also given. This encapsulates the historicalbackground of the area, its economy and socio-demographic profile.In the final analysis the study highlights the positive and negative effects of amalgamatedmunicipalities whether Category A or B Municipalities. The study concludes that the KOSHarea lends itself to the establishment of an amalgamated Category B Municipality operatingwithin the jurisdiction of a Category C Municipality. The study also concludes that it is possibleand viable to de-establish the present separate local authorities and create a viable amalgamatedCategory B Municipal structure that will improve service delivery and provide optimumgovernance for the KOSH area. Specific recommendations in respect of the development of theKOSH area are made.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University