Democratisation as set out in the constitution of South Africa is based on the ideal of devolving power and authority to community level. Running parallel with the ideal of democratisation and devolution of powers are the imperatives of redress, educational transformation and restructuring, to be managed by central government and provincial authorities. Implementing the process of transformation also affects teacher training colleges. This article discusses the changes that affected teacher training colleges and the challenge faced by college management in managing the change required. A major assumption underpinning the existing body of knowledge is that management has the power and authority to initiate and manage the change required. This assumption could not withstand the scrutiny of research conducted into the transformation of teacher training colleges in South Africa. It was found that if the real power and authority to effect change is located in an agency outside the management structure (i.e., a state department) a whole new set of dynamics were unleashed that alter the whole change management process.