Here are some interesting facts to keep in mind when reading about the antics of the mayor and his merry band of councillors.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Local Government Municipal Systems Act, specifically section 52, prohibits mayors and other councilors from interfering in the administrative responsibilities assigned to the municipal manager or chief financial officer. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This act aims to ensure the separation of powers between the political and administrative functions within municipalities. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Act also outlines that a municipal councillor may not interfere in the administration or give instructions to any municipal employee unless mandated to do so.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here is a more detailed breakdown:\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Municipal Systems Act (MSA)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This Act establishes the framework for municipal governance, including the roles and responsibilities of various actors, such as the mayor, councilors, and municipal officials.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Separation of powers\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The MSA aims to prevent political interference in the day-to-day operations of the municipal administration. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This means that the mayor and other political officials cannot directly instruct or interfere with the work of the municipal manager, chief financial officer, or other administrative staff.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Accountability\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Act also establishes clear lines of accountability, with the municipal manager being held responsible for the overall performance of the administration.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Code of conduct for councillors\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The code of conduct, which is often linked to the MSA, further reinforces the prohibition of inappropriate interference in the administration by councilors, unless they have been given a specific mandate by the council.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Examples of Interference\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Interference could include a mayor trying to influence hiring decisions, dictate financial spending without proper authority, or attempt to override the decisions of the municipal manager or chief financial officer.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u25a0 Dan Mana is Samwu Lejweleputswa full-time shop steward.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
This act aims to ensure the separation of powers between the political and administrative functions within 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