Over the years, local authorities have been performing a variety of functions ranging from refuse removal to township development. It was also customary in those early years for local authorities to carry out functions that are associated with central and regional governments. In fact, local government was the catalyst for the establishment of central and regional governments. Against this backdrop, local government forms an integral and important part of the daily lives of South Africans.

The legislative and executive powers of local authorities are vested in the local councils. Local authorities have the right, on their own initiative and within the parameters of the Constitution, to self- existence, and to manage the affairs of their constituencies in whichever way they see fit, as long as they satisfy the needs of their communities in the most efficient and effective manner.

Once councillors have been elected, the council must be formally constituted at the first meeting of the newly elected councillors. In terms of procedure, the City Manager must call the first meeting of the council within 14 days of the council being declared elected. The chairperson of council, who is also the Speaker of council is elected at this meeting.

Replacing councilors after election

Councilors can be disqualified or can resign after election. If they are party representatives, they could also be expelled or resign from the party. The Municipal Structures Act says how to deal with replacing PR and Ward councilors.

PR councilors

PR councilors can be withdrawn and replaced at any time by their party, except during the floor crossing window period. Vacancies are filled from the party list or a supplementary list submitted by the party. If a PR councilor crosses the floor during the window period, they may not be replaced by their party and the party effectively loses a seat.

Ward Councillors

When a ward councillor resigns or is disqualified, a by-election will be held. If a ward councillor stood with a party symbol next to their name, they must leave their seat if they stop being a member of that party, unless it is during the floor crossing period. An independent who joins a party after election also has to leave their seat. Any ward councillor who crosses the floor and joins a party during the window period, may not be replaced by their party and the party effectively loses a seat.

PROJECT QUESTIONS [60 MARKS]

QUESTION 1 (30MARKS)

South Africa has proportional party list electoral system. Write explanatory notes on the predicaments and benefits for this electoral system.

QUESTION 2 (30MARKS)

Clearly a Speaker is a politician and has to be abided by the mandate of their political party. Do you think a Speaker can ever be impartial? Critically discuss this argument and write critical notes on the election and functions of the Municipal speaker.

PROJECT GUIDELINES AND MARKING RUBRIC

These guidelines will be used as the marking rubric.

Format: Assignments must be presented in 12pt Arial Font and in 1 ½ line spacing.

Structure: The project should be structured as follows:

• Title page

• Table of contents

QUESTION 1

South Africa has proportional party list electoral system. Write explanatory notes on the predicaments and benefits for this electoral system.

QUESTION 2

Clearly a Speaker is a politician and has to be abided by the mandate of their political party. Do you think a Speaker can ever be impartial? Critically discus this argument and write critical notes on the election and functions of the Municipal speaker.

3 Conclusion

• Bibliography/List of Sources

Answers to Above Questions on South African Electoral Systems

Answer 1: South Africa has proportional party list electoral systems. This particular electoral system has significant benefits and predicaments such as limited constituency representation, significant potential for party dominance, lack of accountability etc. In terms of benefits, this electoral system provides opportunity for proportional representation as well as minority representation, and it is also effective in minimising the wastage of votes.

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