The Community Action Network (CAN) has compiled a submission on an important municipal bill that – if passed – could fundamentally change the way municipalities are governed. 

OUTA’s Community Action Network (CAN) has compiled a submission on the so-called “Coalition Bill”. If this bill is passed, it could fundamentally change the way municipalities are governed.

CAN has made its submission available to the public to boost community activism and public participation, allowing those who wish to use the CAN submission as a basis for their own submissions.

The Municipal Structures Amendment Bill is out for public comment until July 31, 2024. 

CAN Project Manager Jonathan Erasmus said while the bill intends to stabilise coalition governments in municipalities, a number of the proposed amendments strip power away from municipalities, the councillors, and by extension the voters. 

“Some of the amendments up for discussion traverse delicate ground and, if not designed appropriately, may go against the spirit of our Constitution and impede democracy in local government,” said Erasmus.

CAN has read through the amendments and has identified several primary challenges namely: 

• Political overreach into local government affairs from a ministerial level in national government.

• Political overreach into local government affairs from a ministerial level in the provincial government.

• Excessive restrictions on the right to bring forward motions of no confidence against office bearers such as the mayor, deputy mayor, or speaker. 

• Removal of the secret ballot option as a voting mechanism. 

Erasmus said the proposed changes suggested by CAN will enhance governance without introducing new challenges. “Additional democratic safeguards and oversight measures are essential to maintain balance and fairness in municipal governance but they must be reasonable.”  

To make your voice heard follow the link here.

Interested in what our Local Government Unit is doing? Have a look here: 

WaterCAN focuses on water matters, Community Action Network (CAN) aims to empower local communities to participate in municipal matters and JoburgCAN exists to organise and empower a network of community associations and businesses to ensure the responsible collection and use of rates and tax revenues, along with good service delivery by the City of Johannesburg. The Link App gives users an easy, effective way to communicate directly with their municipality about any problems or service issues within their community.