The Municipal Systems Act - Part 1

Over the next few weeks The Courier/Die Koerier will post excerpts from a summary of the Municipal Systems Act. Here is Part 1.


"The Constitution of South Africa envisages a robust local government system, which can provide democratic and accountable government for local communities; ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner; promote social and economic development; promote a safe and healthy living environment; and encourage the involvement of communities and community organisations in the matters of local government.


The Municipal Systems Act is part of a series of legislation which aims to empower local government to fulfil its Constitutional objects. In 1998 the government issued a Local Government White Paper, which outlined a policy framework for local government. Later that year government passed the Municipal Demarcation Act, which enabled the re-demarcation of municipal boundaries; and the Municipal Structures Act, which defined the structures of local government. The Municipal Systems Act will complement these pieces of legislation, by regulating key municipal organisational, planning, participatory and service delivery systems. National government has also prepared the Municipal Financial Management Act 56 of 2003, which regulates municipal financial matters. Together, these pieces of legislation provide a framework for a democratic, accountable and developmental local government system, as envisaged by the Constitution."


Part 2 will deal with the municipality as an organ of state.