REGIONAL SERVICES COUNCILS IN SOUTH-AFRICA - PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

This article traces the evolution of local government structures in South Africa, known as Regional Service Councils (RSCs), which were created in 1985. The first section traces the history of local government in the country and how apartheid led to separate structures for different racial groups. This is followed by an account of why the National Party (NP) created RSCs, which were neo-apartheid structures, incorporating certain features of metropolitan government. The major features of RSCs are discussed and analysed. The operation of the RSCs around the country is assessed. The final section of the article looks at moves towards non-racial local government structures in the light of broader political developments in the country. The future of RSCs as well as metropolitan government generally is discussed.