HARNESS SOUTH AFRICA’S INNER CITIES

The municipal sphere of government is the level that is closest to the people. Many basic services are delivered by local municipalities, and local ward councillors are the politicians closest to communities. The important role of local government in the development of communities is a constitutional imperative.

Chapter 7 of the Constitution gives the objectives of local government as follows:

• To provide democratic and accountable government for local communities;

• To ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner;

• To promote social and economic development; and

• To promote a safe and healthy environment.

One of the issues that