This is problematic as provinces have capacity problems, so local government structures must be put in place quickly, and made operative. This devolution is also required for closer democratic control and coordinated cross-sector planning and service provision. One major goal of local government must be to reduce the fragmentation of service delivery, for it is the only level of government which can provide local coordination of sectors. National and provincial sectoral departments will be able to foster this coordination and local control of services through interaction with civic structures, elected structures, and management structures. In Rural Development Traditional authorities have an opportunity to create consensus around local development strategies, and thus to promote stability, social equity and upliftment.
Social stability can be crucial to positive change, but it can also be used to prevent change.
The transitional Constitution recognises the role of traditional authorities, and for their ex-officio representation on government structures. At local government level, they will not make up more than 10 per cent of any council. The councils will profit from their role in unifying communities around local concerns. Traditional leaders can also advise local councillors of the implications of decisions in terms of the customs and values of traditional communities. While traditional leaders can contribute much, it is essential that they are not regarded as responsible for providing local government services.