(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2008-03) Verwey, Len; Calitz, Estian; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Economics.
In enquiring after the best means of financing basic local services in South Africa,
the thesis begins by reviewing the arguments for fiscal decentralisation and the
efficiency criteria for expenditure and revenue assignment. The role of local
government within South Africa’s system of intergovernmental fiscal relations is
then evaluated. A chapter is devoted to the efficient pricing of infrastructure for
household services. However, it is emphasised that such pricing is unlikely to
meet equity criteria for access and affordability. The equity aspect of providing
basic local services is explored further from the perspective of South African
Constitutional obligations and the current basic services policy framework. A
concluding chapter discusses issues arising out of the work and provides some
recommendations.