Conference topics

The following range of topics will be discussed at the conference and papers could be
from an international perspective or a South African perspective. Comparative
discussions and learning from each other would be an important aspect of this
conference.

1. Creating space for governing closer to the people.
   

2. Making regions and cities smart: maximising the benefits of devolution and decentralisation.

3. Institutional innovation: new forms of participatory democracy at sub-national level.

4. Other spheres of government: Co-creating space for governance innovation and partnerships.

5. Local government finance: Reform and innovation in international context and prospects for South Africa.

Meeting format

The conference will consist of a combination of individual paper presentations, panel
discussions and key note speakers as well as innovative case showcasing. It is
envisaged that there should be a great deal of interaction between academics and
professional practitioners with a view to contribute to finding solutions to some of the
practical problems societies in multi-sphere systems of government face.

Date and location

The conference will take place at the School of Public Leadership, Bellville Campus,
Stellenbosch University, South Africa from 19 – 21 August 2015.

Cost

The registration fee is R900. Participants are responsible for their own travel and
accommodation arrangements.

Submissions

Please submit an abstract of your paper (maximum 500 words) by 22 April 2015 to
Natalie.seifert@spl.sun.ac.za Participants will be notified within two weeks. Full
papers must be submitted by 5 July 2015.