Asymmetrical devolution

Joachim H-G Wehner

Development Southern Africa, 2000, vol. 17, issue 2, 249-262

Abstract: The Presidential Review Commission suggested an asymmetrical approach to devolution in South Africa. However, this proposal was not supported by a detailed conceptualisation and operationalisation. This article represents a first broad attempt to classify asymmetrical arrangements by focusing on four essential aspects: reason, duration, form and scope. The potential of an asymmetrical intergovernmental system, focusing on these aspects, is then debated in the South African context. It is concluded that, considering the developmental needs to be addressed across subnational units with vastly diverging capacities, the functionality of the current system should be supported with temporary asymmetrical adjustments. A range of constitutional mechanisms is available for this purpose. It is desirable that these be coordinated as part of a broader policy framework on intergovernmental relations. These mechanisms for asymmetrical adjustments could help to realise the full potential inherent in the constitutional framework.

Date: 2000
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DOI: 10.1080/713661401

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