Local Government Self Help

What must a municipality do?

A Municipality must:

• structure and manage its administration and budgeting and planning processes to give priority to the basic needs of the community, and to promote the social and economic development of the community;

• and participate in national and provincial development programmes.

A Local Municipality is responsible for:

• Water

• Sewerage & Sanitation

• Electricity

• Refuse removal

• Municipal Roads

• Public Safety

• Sport & Recreation

A District Municipality is responsible for:

• Emergency Services

• Fire Services

• Municipal Health Services

• Local Tourism

The objects of the local sphere of government is to:

• 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 environment

• Encourage the involvement of communities and community organizations in the matters of local government (public participation)

The Municipal Manager, Executive Mayor and officials must ensure the following principles, as enshrined in the Constitution, are adhered to and enforced:

• A high standard of professional ethics

• Efficient, economic and effective use of resources must be promoted

• Public service must be development oriented

• Services must be provided impartially, fairly, equitably and without bias

• Peoples needs must be responded to, and the public must be encouraged to participate in policy making (public participation)

• Public administration must be accountable

• Transparency must be fostered by providing the public with timely, accessible and accurate information.