Devolution, Urban Autonomy and Local Governance in the Cities of the SADC

Abstract

This article considers the links between urban autonomy and the constitutional and legal powers, functions and responsibilities of urban local government in countries of the South African Development Community (SADC). It evaluates SADC cities’ constitutional status, their operational, functional and financial autonomy, their collaborative and strategic space and the different accountability structures to which they answer. It further reflects on structural and political challenges to effective urban autonomy in the region and suggests ways in which it may be better enabled, so as to equip the cities of the SADC for the role they must play in pursuit of targets in the New Urban Agenda and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11.