Local governments make decisions and laws, called by-laws, for their own municipal areas. These may not go against the Constitution, nor acts of parliament or provincial ordinances. Municipal councils carry out the executive and legislative functions of local government.

WHO CAN VOTE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS?

Municipal councils are elected every 5 years in local elections. People who can vote must live in the area covered by the local government, and they must be registered as a voter in the area.

POWERS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Local governments have the right to administer the local government matters listed in Part B of Schedule 4 and Part B of Schedule 5, and any other matter referred to them by national or provincial laws.

(See Schedules 4 and 5)