The premier in each province is responsible for co-ordinating relationships between national, provincial and local government in the province. A Premier’s Inter-governmental Forum (PIF) consists of the premier, the provincial MEC for local government, other MECs, metro and district mayors and other mayors where necessary. Provinces use different names for these forums. The PIF meets regularly and consults on broad development in the province, as well as on the implementation of national and provincial policy and legislation. It also seeks to co-ordinate the alignment of provincial and municipal development planning and strategic planning. The PIF reports through the premier to the PCC.

Further optional forums can be established by the premier. In Western Cape, for example there is a Metro Inter-governmental Forum (MIF) where the provincial cabinet meets with the Cape Town mayoral committee on a regular basis. The reason for this is that around 70% of the provincial population lives in the metro, and most of the economic and urban development is taking place in that area. There is therefore a huge overlap between the metro’s budget and responsibilities and those of the province.

Inter-governmental forums may also be established at district level, where they would consist of the district mayor and local council mayors. Most of the inter- governmental structures are supported by senior management in the public service and in local government. At times, they will meet separately to prepare for the inter-governmental meetings. The Act provides for technical support structures to be established. Every inter-governmental structure must adopt its own rules to govern internal procedures. Further inter-provincial or inter-municipal forums can also be established where necessary.