In South Africa the ambitious policy objectives of post-apartheid reconstruction and development hinge on the successful creation of a democratic tier of government close to the people. And so a system of 'developmental local government' was introduced. This book proves a comprehensive introduction to this concept. It includes the design of the new local government system and the issues posed by decentalisation; an overview of specific challenges of urban and rural municipalities; a discussion of special issues facing local government, including, poverty, gender and environment, and new tools for local government, including budgeting, municipal partnerships and capacity-building.