The power of peer reviews in building a learning network for local government in South Africa.

Resumen

Ten municipalities in South Africa have benefited from hosting peer reviews that assess the developmental thrust of the new, post-Apartheid local government system. The paper illustrates the value which sector-specific learning networks bring to local, district and metropolitan municipalities as they confront development and equity challenges. These networks are premised on sharing and learning between members. Each network has a clear work programme with adequate resources and multiple opportunities to share learning. Institutional support at both the political and administrative level is important for the networks to function efficiently. High participation levels by senior politicians and officials is key to their success. Peer review methodology is used as a central activity for collective buy-in. It structures the work programme of the network and provides hands-on experience for members. Operating under a new, inclusive political system, covering areas previously excluded from local control and involving people new to traditions of self-government and good governance, South Africa?s municipalities face huge responsibilities. Learning networks are a powerful tool to make sense of hard experiences and to strengthen democratic structures. They also highlight many problems of capacity, corruption and trust and provide a forum in which they can be confronted.