In recent years, municipalities have had to adjust to dramatic changes in their role in a new democratised system of national, provincial and local government. They have had to accept increased responsibilities in terms of service rendering and some have found it difficult to cope with the growing demands of their communities. South African municipal government and administration clarifies the powers and functions of the local sphere of government, what services communities are entitled to, and how councillors and officials could be made accountable for non-delivery of these services, under-performance or lack of pride in the quality of work done.
This second edition of South African municipal government and administration incorporates the most recent developments in this sphere of government. It describes the obligations of councils, councillors and appointed officials with regard to policy implementation, and their accountability for the delivery of high-quality services to civic society. It includes various practical examples as well as rulings of the Constitutional Court, policy statements and reports.
Contents include the following:
The book is aimed at undergraduate and postgraduate students studying municipal government and administration, as well as aspiring and serving municipal councillors.
Chapter 1: Origins of urban areas and municipalities
Chapter 2: Municipalities: their place in the government and administration of South Africa
Chapter 3: Intergovernmental relations
Chapter 4: Municipalities: categorisation, typification, objectives and powers, councils and councillors, functions, office-bearers and related matters
Chapter 5: Administrative and managerial functions of municipalities: policy making and planning
Chapter 6: Financial administration
Chapter 7: Human resources
Chapter 8: Municipal associations and related institutions
Chapter 9: Public relations and information services
