In 2005, the Inter-governmental Relations Framework Act was passed to ensure that the principles in Chapter 3 of the Constitution on co-operative government are implemented. The act seeks to set up mechanisms to co-ordinate the work of all spheres of government in providing services, alleviating poverty and promoting development. The act also establishes a line of communication that goes from municipalities to the provinces and directly to the Presidency.

The legislative framework includes the Intergovernmental Fiscal Relations Act (1997), the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act (2005), Public Finance Management Act (1999), the Municipal Finance Management Act (2003), and the annual Division of Revenue Act.