Volume 10, Issue 4, October 2008

Are ward committees working? Insights from six case studies
Author: Terence Smith
Published: 31 Oct 2008
Ward committees were introduced after the December 2000 municipal elections to supplement the role of elected councillors. As such, they were intended to create a bridge between communities and the political and administrative structures of municipalities. Many observers argue, however, that ward committees are not functioning as intended and that instead of enhancing the environment of participatory governance, these structures have actually undermined it by displacing many other channels for public participation.
Local Government Bulletin lgb-governance
Councillors' individual liability
Author: Jaap de Visser
Published: 31 Oct 2008
On 11 June 2008, the Cape High Court handed down a judgment that set an important precedent about councillors’ individual liability for taking or supporting illegal decisions.
Local Government Bulletin lgb-governance
Heeding the call for sustainable energy use putting solar energy to work
Author: Jaap de Visser
Published: 31 Oct 2008
Energy experts agree that the installation of domestic solar water heaters (SWHs) could significantly reduce the demand for electricity. The figures suggest that a roll-out of SWHs could eliminate the need for one large coal power station (and thus significantly reduce CO2 emissions).
lgb-powers-functions Local Government Bulletin
Can a municipality levy taxes retrospectively
Author: Community Law Centre
Published: 31 Oct 2008
Generally, a municipality may only levy taxes (other than property rates) in terms of empowering legislation. The Municipal Fiscal Powers and Functions Act (Act 12 of 2007) outlines a procedure whereby a municipality may apply to the National Treasury for approval to impose new taxes.
lgb-powers-functions Local Government Bulletin
Navigating the grey areas: Reflections on the Western Cape powers and functions review process
Author: Karen Harrison
Published: 31 Oct 2008
The powers and functions shared between provincial and local government have traditionally been a source of great confusion and concern for municipalities. Ill-defined powers and functions have often led to duplication, inefficiencies and arguably even deterioration in the delivery of services to communities.
lgb-supervision lgb-powers-functions Local Government Bulletin
Politics of change: Keeping the genie in the bottle
Author: Jaap de Visser
Published: 31 Oct 2008
Over the past weeks, the impact of the leadership change in the African National Congress on government has become patently visible. The most important change was obviously manifested in the resignation of the President, three provincial premiers and a number of national Cabinet members, including the Minister for Provincial and Local Government.
Local Government Bulletin lgb-governance
Reviewing the Children's Act: Implications for local government
Author: Annette Christmas
Published: 31 Oct 2008
The Children’s Amendment Act (Act 41 of 2007) was signed into law on 18 March this year. The Act, together with draft regulations recently published for public comment, represents the final step in the arduous, ten-year journey of reviewing the Child Care Act.
lgb-powers-functions Local Government Bulletin
The power to preside over disciplinary appeals
Author: Douglas Singiza
Published: 31 Oct 2008
The Constitution provides that “everyone has a right to administrative action that is lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair”. This entitlement extends to municipal employees and must therefore be reflected in municipal labour and administrative practices.
Local Government Bulletin lgb-governance