EVALUATION OF INTERDEPARTMENTAL

Abstract

The Constitutional imperative for cooperation within government is especially critical in the environmental sector, since cross-cutting mandates for environmental management require coherent and integrated governance. Through a multiple case study, this research project examined three intergovernmental environmental programmes – Working for Water, River Health Programme and Cape Action for People and Environment – in order to determine how such programmes can be better designed to enable cooperative government. Findings indicate that the lack of enabling frameworks for formalising intergovernmental partnerships has not unduly hampered the emergence of such programmes. Although notable gaps exist, the building blocks for successful partnerships were observed in the design of the programmes. Three common critical success factors for intergovernmental partnerships were identified, namely mechanisms for building social capital, formal agreements and role as external conveners. A number of recommendations are made for improving the way interdepartmental programmes function as vehicles for cooperative government