UNDERSTANDING LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The document outlines the South African local government system, defining the duties of municipalities to provide basic services and promote development. It describes three categories of municipalities (Metro, Local, and District) and the tripartite relationship between the local public, political structures (such as the Council and Mayor), and the administration. It emphasizes the right of the public to participate in decision-making and the requirement for administration to remain professional and non-partisan.

• According to Sections 152 and 153 of the Constitution, local government must be accountable, responsive, and responsible for providing basic services and improving the daily lives of citizens, particularly marginalized households.
• Municipal responsibilities as defined by Schedules 4b and 5b of the Constitution include water and sanitation, electricity, refuse removal, land-use decisions, childcare facilities, fire services, public transport, building regulations, municipal parks, street lighting, and street trading.
• South Africa utilizes three types of municipalities: Category A (Metros), which are the 8 largest cities with up to 270 councillors; Category B (Local Municipalities), which are smaller urban or rural areas; and Category C (District Municipalities), which coordinate development and resources across 3-6 local municipalities.
• Local government is structured around three pillars: the local public (residents, businesses, and NGOs), political structures (the Council and elected councillors), and the administration (professional staff and managers).
• The municipal Council is the highest political decision-making body, possessing legislative power to pass local laws and budgets, and executive power to lead and coordinate administrative work.
• The municipal administration is composed of appointed professionals, led by the municipal manager, who must implement policies and provide services regardless of which political party is in power.
• Members of the local public have the right to participate in municipal decision-making, lodge complaints, be informed of council decisions, and request that council and committee meetings be open to the public.

APA

Public Affairs Research Institute (n.d.). UNDERSTANDING LOCAL GOVERNMENT. https://pari.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/COMPACT-Understanding-LG-Setswana.pdf

Chicago

Public Affairs Research Institute. UNDERSTANDING LOCAL GOVERNMENT. n.d. https://pari.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/COMPACT-Understanding-LG-Setswana.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Public Affairs Research Institute |title=UNDERSTANDING LOCAL GOVERNMENT |url=https://pari.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/COMPACT-Understanding-LG-Setswana.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{publicaffairsresearchinstitutendunderstanding, author = {{Public Affairs Research Institute}}, title = {{UNDERSTANDING LOCAL GOVERNMENT}}, institution = {Public Affairs Research Institute}, url = {https://pari.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/COMPACT-Understanding-LG-Setswana.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }