When the new Premier of the Western Cape took office in January 2002, he vowed to devolve as many provincial functions as possible onto local authorities which have the capacity to perform them. Assignment is the most important way of bringing functions down to local government.

The President has signed a set of Bills into law that allow for crossing the floor, This article summarises the Bills insofar as they deal with councillors. The Bills amend parts of the of the Constitution and the Municipal Structures Act

Important recent developments in the electricity distribution industry (EDI) could have a significant impact on municipalities. A recent court challenge raises the crucial issue of the right of municipalities to supply and distribute electricity.

This is an abbreviated version of SALGA's submission to the joint session of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs and the Select Committee on Social Servies dealing with the Immigration Bill.

Marais v Democratic Alliance 2002 (2) BCLR 171 (C)

The need for an intergovernmental structure was identified in order to streamline the transformation process in the Western Cape.

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has published a proposal to amend Constitutional provisions for municipal elections. The new provisions would, among other things, allow councillors to cross the floor without losing their seats.

MEC for Local Government and Planning of the Western Cape v Paarl Poultry Enterprises CC Rosendal Poultry Farm 2002 (2) BCLR 133 (CC)

The South African Local Government Bargaining Council was registered on 1 March 2001 after an agreement signed on 2 September 1997 between the South African Local Government Association and two Unions, the South African Municipal Workers Union and the Independent Municipal Allied Trade Union.

During February and March 2002, the National Assembly's Portfolio Committee on Finance received submissions on the Municipal Finance Management Bill. This article summarises concerns about the Bill which were raised by the Community Law Centre.

At a special President's Coordinating Council (PCC) workshop on 14 December 2001, the agenda was set for building a strong and development-oriented local government. The PCC adopted wide-ranging resolutions which chart the way forward in both the short and medium term.

MEC for Local Government, Mpumalanga v IMATU 2002 (1) SA 76 (SCA)

Municipalities are under heavy pressure to extend and improve the delivery of municipal services. A wide range of policies, legislation, institutions and resources have been put in place to facilitate this process.

Section 53 of the Municipal Systems Act determines that every municipality must define the specific role and area of responsibility of each political structure and political office-bearer of the municipality. SALGA resolved to prepare a guide to assist municipalities in complying with this requirement.

Moise v Transitional Local Council of Greater Germiston (2001) JOL 8446 (W)

What happens if a Political Party Dissolves? What happens if a Councillor leaves the Party? When does a vacancy occur?

After taking office in December 2000, the Executive mayor of Johannesburg Metropolitan municipality appointed a mayoral committee in terms of section 60 of the Municipal Structures Act. Only African National Congress members were appointed. The ANC holds 59% of the seats in the Council.

Tariff and debt collection policies are of paramount importance for local government. Local government derives most of its revenue from the levying of rates and tariffs.

Koos Smith''s article on aspirant metropolitan areas is important as we define more clearly the emerging municipal system in South Africa.

When the Municipal Demarcation Board demarcated the boundaries of municipalities in 1999/2000, it identified some areas in the country as aspirant metropolitan areas. These are areas that are at that point in time substantially complied with s significant number of the prescribed criteria for metropolitan areas, but not to the extent that they could have been declared metropolitan areas.

On 12 July 2001 the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development published two Bills with proposed amendments to the Constitution. This article summarises the proposals that impact on local government and puts forward some comments and suggestions.

The national workshop on the roles and responsibilities of political office-bearers in Mogale City on 29 and 30 August was the culmination of a series of provincial workshops on the roles and responsibilities of mayors and speakers.

Eastern Cape Metropolitan Substructure v Peter Klein Investments (Pty) Ltd 2001 (4) BCLR 344 9 (W)

With the enactment and implementation of the Municipal Demarcation Act, Municipal Structures Act and Municipal Systems Act, the new dispensation for local government has firmly taken root. Are old order ordinances still applicable?