University of the Western Cape

Volume 3, Issue 4, December 2001

Choosing a Service Provider: Section 78 of the Systems Act

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.

From SALGA: Roles and Responsibilities of Mayors

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.

From the Courts: Time Limit on Suing the Municipality.

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

Legal Briefs

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

Mayoral Committees off the Hook? High Court Rules Against Proportinality.

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.

Tarifs and Debt Collection in the Muncipal Systems Act.

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.