Developing concurrent competence in national and local governance

Description

Concurrent competence means that both national and provincial (local) spheres of government are empowered to pass and implement legislation relating to specific functional areas. Where there are conflicts between national and provincial government concerning a functional area, certain national rules are often provided to resolve such conflicts.

Of relevance is a "national override" provision which usually states that national legislation would prevail over provincial legislation if: a) the national legislation deals with a matter that cannot be regulated effectively by legislation enacted by the respective provinces independently; b) the interests of the country as a whole require that a matter be dealt with uniformly across the nation (e.g. the setting of national norms and standards); or c) the national legislation is necessary for such matters as the protection of the environment.

Claim

The political and economic potentials of urban authorities and citizen's groups remain untapped because their systems of governance are still highly centralized or because national politicians see cities as a threat. National sectoral policies can no longer be formulated and adopted as if cities did not exist. The city must be nurtured as the primary locus of development, as well as the most capable custodian of the environment.