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Poor service delivery and the struggle for transformative constitutionalism in Nogqala Village

Before the advent of South Africa’s democracy, the black majority, particularly those situated in rural communities, endured substantial hardship. The ...

The limits of the power of traditional leaders to allocate land

Over the past two years, the Local Government Bulletin has published a series of articles examining judgments concerning the power of traditional leaders to ...

The invasion of municipal land: A view from practice

Local government is partially responsible for fulfilling the right to housing. This responsibility is not without challenges.

Can traditional leaders exercise their land allocation authority to block developments in their areas of jurisdiction?

In a series of judgments, the courts have made it clear that the unlawful practice of allocating municipal land by some unscrupulous traditional leaders needs ...

After six years of waiting: The Climate Change Act 22 of 2024

On 18 July 2024, President Ramaphosa signed the then Climate Change Bill into law. The new Climate Change Act 22 of 2024 marks a significant milestone in South ...

The City of Ekurhuleni escapes High Court’s “non-consensual” consent order

Headline: The phrase “don’t talk to me, talk to me my lawyer” backfired when the City of Ekurhuleni (the City) found itself bound to a consent order granted by ...

Municipalities beware – the counter-spoliation bar just got higher

Headline: Perhaps it is a bit controversial to bring the Bible into local government matters, however, this particular wisdom from the Bible is suited for this ...

Do municipalities have the exclusive right to administer refuse removal services and to impose relevant fees in their areas?

Time and again, the place and role of local government under the new constitutional dispensation is brought under the microscope. What are municipalities ...

Five time’s a charm? Thubakgale and Others v Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and Others

What recourse do citizens have when the State fails to realise the fundamental right of access to housing? Five recent judgments have affirmed the 133 ...

Hiding behind a finger: Water contamination by Msukwaligwa Local Municipality

In 2023, the quality of South Africa’s water was put in the spotlight when several cholera outbreaks and deaths were recorded. The outbreaks were initially ...