African School on Decentralisation 2022

Postal Address

South African Research Chair in Multilevel Government, Law and Development
Dullah Omar Institute for Constitutional Law, Governance and Human Rights
University of the Western Cape
Private Bag X17
Bellville
7535

For any queries please contact

Dr. Michelle R. Maziwisa
info@africandecentralisation.org | mmaziwisa@uwc.ac.za
+27 (0)21 959 2950 / 51

The 2022 course shall be based on the theme “Good Governance in African Cities”. This theme was chosen in light of the fact that Africa is urbanizing at a higher rate than any other continent. Indeed, more people are moving to cities, attracted by economic and job opportunities – this is a global phenomenon, and Africa is no exception. Yet, despite being drivers of growth and development, the position of the city is regarded as marginal to current debates and good governance controversies in Africa. For example, the negative impact of overurbanization is often over-emphasised such as the concentration of poverty, slums and social disruption in developing cities. This course aims to illustrate the central role of cities as engines of national economic development.

The sheer complexity of African cities challenges both traditional urban understandings and normal development policies. Indeed, the diversity of African cities is difficult to comprehend, thus the first step toward solving the urban development quandary. However, cities do represent the best hope for growth and opportunities.

The programme will be structured towards the multidimensional measures of good governance, namely, the rule of law, participation, transparency, accountability, responsiveness, equity, effectiveness and efficiency, and strategic vision. African cities have diverse governance structures, and powers and functions to drive the key aspirations listed in the Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) as set out in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Report (2015). Without good and inclusive governance, African cities will not achieve their social and economic targets.

The course will be presented by leading experts in the field from an international and regional perspective. It offers a platform in which African state practitioners, academics and activists can be educated and encouraged to innovate and experiment, and to learn from one another in order to address the challenges brought about by rapid urbanization. The course will include lectures, interactive discussions, case studies and study visits dealing with the selected thematic areas. Also, it will focus on the literature pertaining to the different continents and use comparative case studies to deepen the knowledge on and understanding of the challenges confronting the African region. The ultimate goal is to advance good governance in African cities.

The working language will be English.

The African School on Decentralisation offers a postgraduate certificate to be awarded to successful applicants who meets the academic assessment criteria.

Costs covered by the organisers

• Accommodation and meals

Costs not covered by the organisers

• Travel expenses to and from Cape Town
• Visa fees
• Health Insurance
• Personal travel expenses within Cape Town
• Personal expenses during stay in Cape Town

Bursaries

• A limited number of bursaries will be awarded, based on need, to cover an economy class return ticket to Cape Town.

The deadline for submission of applications is 31 JANUARY 2022.

Cape Town is a beautiful coastal city in the south west of South Africa that lies at the southern-most tip of Africa. The city is both a vibrant metropolitan hub and a retreat. Large shopping malls such as the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Mall offer a vibrant shopping experience with both locals and tourists.

The nearby Table Mountain and game reserves offer a wide range of outdoor activities from hiking to dirt-biking and safari tours. From the top of Table Mountain one gets a breath taking view of the city, and busy harbour. Under clear blues skies, Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela and countless other freedom fighters were held during apartheid) is clearly visible from the top of the mountain, and only a boat ride away.

For more information on Cape Town tourism, click here Click here to view some drone footage of Cape Town

The next African School on Decentralisation will take place in 2023 in Addis Ababa.

Over 6700 km away from Cape Town, lies Addis Ababa, in the Horn of Africa. Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia, which has been described by some as the ‘lively city of contrasts’. A rapidly developing infrastructure and services sector, which is home to numerous international organisation’s headquarters including the African Union and United Nations.

Home to the 3.2 million-year-old skeleton, ‘Lucy’, Addis Ababa is rich in history and culture, with numerous exotic restaurants for the curious food lovers. Music and dance echo into night, while spicy flavours waft in the air. Injera (flat bread made with teff flour), and doro wot (spicy stewed meat), and kifto (seasoned ground beef served uncooked) are not to be missed. These dishes are filled with flavour and made the traditional way. One cannot miss the buna (road side coffee stalls), and coffee ceremonies with freshly ground beans grown and roasted in Ethiopia.

For more on Addis Ababa tourism, click here