Consolidating developmental local government

Consolidating developmental local government documents the dynamics of local government transformation and captures the key themes of the debates about policy options, lessons and key strategic decisions. These debates are aimed at ensuring that municipalities play a key role in creating more democratic, non-racial, equitable and sustainable communities, towns and cities. Compiled and written by people who participated in one way or another in the experience of democratic consolidation, this text will be an indispensable resource for government officials, students, researchers, specialists, community leaders, businesses and the general reader. Critical questions are raised throughout the book about the kinds of challenges that all those involved with the future of local governance will face in the years ahead.

Mirjam van Donk is a director of Isandla Institute; a former independent consultant on HIV/AIDS, gender, and development for international and national organizations; and a former project coordinator for the Local Government for the Gender Advocacy Program.Mark Swillingis a professor for the School of Public Leadership at the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa, the coordinator of the postgraduate program in sustainable development, the academic director of the Sustainability Institute, and a member of the International Resource Panel convened by the United Nations Environment Program.Edgar Pieterse is the director of the African Center for Cities and the co-editor of Voices of the Transition.Susan Parnell is a professor of urban geography in the department of environmental and geographical science at the University of Cape Town and a director of Isandla Institute, South Africa.