Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act No. 108 of 1996)Chapter 7 : Local Government151. Status of municipalities |
| (1) | The local sphere of government consists of municipalities, which must be established for the whole of the territory of the Republic. |
| (2) | The executive and legislative authority of a municipality is vested in its Municipal Council. |
| (3) | A municipality has the right to govern, on its own initiative, the local government affairs of its community, subject to national and provincial legislation, as provided for in the Constitution. |
| (4) | The national or a provincial government may not compromise or impede a municipality's ability or right to exercise its powers or perform its functions. |