Playing politics without the power: the state of black local government in the South Africa of the 1980/90s

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Abstract
Based on a body of research commissioned by the Urban Foundation between 1983 and 1990, this article draws on information obtained through documentary analyses, in‐depth personal and questionaire‐based interviews with officials, councillors and community figures, and insights obtained in workshops between 1984 and 1990. In assessing the state of black local government in South Africa, it outlines, first, the history and development of black local authorities (BLAs). It then analyses the political, administrative and financial aspects of the functioning of BLAs. The relationships between BLAs and other actors, like central and provincial government departments, para‐statals, private sector bodies and organisations in the communities within the BLA spheres of jurisdiction, receive particular attention. Drawing on these trends and some recent developments the article finally reflects on the probable place of both black local authorities and extra‐parliamentary township organisations in the negotiation process around future political and constitutional development in South Africa.

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