A Guide for Councillors

Part 2

Separation of powers in a municipality The key to good governance in local government relies on several factors: separation between legislative and executive powers (the council) and administrative functions (the administration) clear distinctionbetweenpolicy-making (thecouncil) andpolicy implementation (the administration) appropriate delegations of authority and responsibility for ef fi cient and effective public administration adequate and cost-effective systems of internal control and reporting clear, unambiguous accountability systems codes of conduct for both councillors and of fi cials. • • • • • •

Of fi cials are accountable ultimately to council

The people hold their councillors accountable

HOW DO WE MAKE SURE THAT THE LAWS AND POLICIES THAT ARE MADE BY COUNCIL SERVE THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY.

AND HOW DO WE MAKE SURE THAT THE COUNCIL APPOINTS THE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF THAT ARE ABLE TO ADMINISTER THE MUNICIPALITY EFFECTIVELY?

JUST LOOK CAREFULLY AT THE MFMA! LET US SEE HOW IT DEALS WITH THESE ISSUES.

Council must appoint of fi cials who have the appropriate technical skills and quali fi cations to complete tasks that are delegated to them.

21

The Role of Councillors in Municipal Finance Management