Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
1 June 1998
MEDIA STATEMENT BY FRED BARRON, DIRECTOR: COMMUNICATION, DEPARTMENT OF CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT, ON THE SUBMISSION TO THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT WHITE PAPER WORKING COMMITTEE BY THE CENTRE FOR DEVELOPMENT AND ENTERPRISE
The Centre for Development and Enterprise has released a strongly worded critique of the White Paper on Local Government launched by the Mr. Mohammed Valli Moosa, Minister for Provincial Affairs and Constitutional Development in March.
The fact is that the White Paper indeed takes a hard look at the inefficiencies, fragmentation and financial difficulties of current municipalities, and proposes a package of far-reaching changes to make local government work better. These proposals are the result of 18 months of work by a multi-party team of political advisors and dedicated specialist teams researching key issues. The process itself has been completely unique, with a bottom-up approach of local, regional and sectoral engagements resulting in the single most consultative effort to date by any government department in compiling a White Paper.
A thorough process of research drawing on local, provincial as well as international experience has also been conducted, and the findings reflected into the White Paper. Since white papers are by nature not research reports, we invite interested parties to obtain copies of research from the Department.
Minster Moosa has restated his satisfaction with the process and content of the White Paper and pointed out that the CDE was part of the process, including the Portfolio Committee hearings in Parliament. The views of the CDE were thus fully considered throughout the process.
For this reason, the Minister does not consider it necessary to appoint a commission of enquiry into the matter.
Enquiries: Fred Barron: 082 4567 545