Establishment of transport authorities in local sphere of government in South Africa: unfolding of the process

Abstract

As part of the political restructuring process in South Africa, transport legislation was approved during 2000 allocating new transport functions to new independent transport authorities, thus providing local sphere of government with a new range of powers and responsibilities. This article focuses on some international models for transport authorities, a brief historical perspective on the background to the South African situation, a summary of the legislated provisions that are relevant to transport authorities, followed by a few local case studies to illustrate the initial concepts that have emerged during preliminary investigations in South Africa. The article concludes with a discussion of anticipated problem areas.