The recent judgment in the appeal case of Munisipaliteit van Ngwane & Vrystaat Munisipale Pesioenfonds 254/ 2002 AD has attracted much attention and comment from local government practitioners. At issue is whether a municipality falls within the definition of 'state' as referred to in the State Liability Act 20 of 1957, in terms of which no warrant of execution cab be issued against any state owned property.

The core principles, values and features of the new local government system are sound. This is the conclusion of the national Portfolio Committee on Local Government after a major study tour of the municipalities at the beginning of 2003.

The Minister of Finance released the 2003 intergovernmental Fiscal Review on 8 April. It provides a wealth of information on municipal budgets for the 2002/03 financial year.

The legislature provides two options to a municipality when choosing an external service delivery mechanism after completion of the assessment process prescribed in section 78 of the Municipal System Act.

The Department of Provincial and Local Government held a conference on ward committees on 24-25 June. These are the vehicles through which participatory governance takes place and their effective performance is crucial to the success of proper community participation in local government.

Harmse v City of Cape Town (2003) JOL 11047 (LC)