TAPSCOTT, Chris

Les relations intergouvernementales dans la nouvelle Afrique du Sud - Paris : IIAP, janv./mars 1998

The existing differences between the entities which constitute the South African union, together with the policy of apartheid, have widely influenced intergovernmental relations which have progressively gelled into a centralised operation functioning in an autocratic manner. The central character of the state has not been put into question with the end of apartheid, but it is possible to identify within the new structure a number of characteristics which are common among federal states. The new Constitution redefines intergovernmental relations but it does not impose a way forward. Legislation is, therefore, awaited. Nevertheless, one should not expect any spectacular improvements in efficieny as a result of the codification of intergovernmental relations. Political and administrative reality determines intergovernmental relations rather than vice versa