Ethnicity and the making of local boundaries in South Africa: perspectives from Vuwani and Malamulele

The study examines local boundary demarcations in the South African context, specifically exploring the relevance of ethnicity as a determining factor in Vuwani and Malamulele. The study explores the nature and significance of boundaries and, drawing upon a comparative perspective from various jurisdictions, it compares demarcation criteria, with a primary focus on functionality and ethnicity. The study concludes that the disputes in Vuwani and Malamulele stem from local government inefficiencies, such as inadequate service delivery and a lack of consultation by the Municipal Demarcation Board. Ethnicity is found not to be a core issue. Based on that, the study advocates for a continued emphasis on functionality in the demarcation criteria in South Africa. The recommendation is grounded in the understanding that functionality acts as an equalizer, that limits conflicts and facilitates more effective and equitable service delivery across boundaries.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of the Western Cape

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Kamushinda, Tafadzwa

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Fessha, Yonatan

• Boundary demarcation
• Local government
• Demarcation criteria
• Vuwani
• Boundary disputes
• South Africa
• Functionality
• Ethnicity

Licence

• https://uwcscholar.uwc.ac.za/bitstreams/9da6a18a-af09-4e53-90f0-5cdf844949e5/download