Jaap de Visser addresses municipal speakers
On 16 & 17 August, Prof Jaap de Visser took part in the Council of Speakers, a gathering of all municipal speakers. In municipalities, the speaker chairs all council meetings and enforces the Code of Conduct for Councillors.
Prof De Visser opened the first session on oversight and separation of powers. This session included Hon Lechesa Tsenoli (Deputy Speaker of Parliament), Cllr Parks Tau (President of SALGA) and Mr Ralph Mathekga (political analyst). The panel discussed how municipal councils can exercise oversight over the work of the mayor and the municipal manager. The slides can be downloaded here.
On the second day, he took part in a panel discussion on rules and orders. This session included Hon Andries Nel (Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs), Cllr Anton Coetsee (Chairperson of SALGA Western Cape) and Hon. Falaza Mdaka, Chief Whip Limpopo Provincial Legislature.
The inaugural Council of Speakers was hosted by the South African Local Government Association.