Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996
Powers and functions of municipalities
- Jurisdiction
- South Africa
- Provision
- 156
- Source language
- English
- Recorded status
- in force
More details
- Recorded status
- in force
Provision text
Official source(1) A municipality has executive authority in respect of, and has the right to
administer—
(a) the local government matters listed in Part B of Schedule 4 and Part B of
Schedule 5; and
(b) any other matter assigned to it by national or provincial legislation.
(2) A municipality may make and administer by-laws for the effective administration of
the matters which it has the right to administer.
(3) Subject to section 151(4), a by-law that conflicts with national or provincial
legislation is invalid. If there is a conflict between a bylaw and national or provincial
legislation that is inoperative because of a conflict referred to in section 149, the
by-law must be regarded as valid for as long as that legislation is inoperative.
(4) The national government and provincial governments must assign to a municipality,
by agreement and subject to any conditions, the administration of a matter listed
in Part A of Schedule 4 or Part A of Schedule 5 which necessarily relates to local
government, if—
(a) that matter would most effectively be administered locally; and
(b) the municipality has the capacity to administer it.
(5) A municipality has the right to exercise any power concerning a matter reasonably
necessary for, or incidental to, the effective performance of its functions.
Source record
Source and verification
Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 · justice.gov.za · Retrieved 17 August 2026.
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