Local Government and the Pursuit of Social Justice in South Africa

South Africa's transition to constitutional democracy marked the end of a system of government that perpetuated injustice on the basis of race. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (the Constitution), is committed to correcting these past injustices and aims to establish a society based on social justice. The realisation of the socio-economic rights entrenched in the Constitution (by all organs of state) is one of the ways in which to contribute towards the attainment of social justice. As one of the three spheres of government, the Constitution obliges local government (municipalities) to play a role in contributing towards realising constitutional objectives.The book questions the extent to which the legal and policy framework on local government in South Africa enable municipalities to contribute towards the pursuit of social justice. The book explores the relevance and potential of local government indigent policies and Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) - as legally prescribed governance instruments - in contributing towards a more just society. Based on identified gaps, recommendations are made on how to optimise local government's role.