South Africa's three-tiered system of government makes provision for nine provinces, each with its own legislature and executive. But are the provinces sufficiently empowered and how is the current constitutional structure enabling or constraining provincial administrations? Do they represent the interests of citizens?

In this episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast, David is joined by Richard Wilkinson, an attorney with a special interest in provincial powers in South Africa.

David and Richard explore the benefits of a federalism, and why devolution of power is more effective than centralisation. They also discuss the significance of a legislative amendment proposed by the Democratic Alliance which would enable Premiers to call a provincial referendum.

TIMESTAMPS

(0:00) Intro

(0:36) The structure of government in South Africa

(4:06) Financing provincial government

(6:35) The Western Cape

(10:18) Exclusive vs Shared Competencies

(11:55) Conflicts between W. Cape and national govt

(14:38) Provincial referendums

(19:16) Policing in the Western Cape

(23:00) The Cape Independence question

(27:47) The DA's attempt to amend the Referendums Act

(30:27) Why decentralisation of power matters

(32:57) The role of communities and the private sector

(35:51) International examples of federalism

(38:42) About Richard Wilkinson

(41:14) Conclusion

Watch on YouTube.