South Africa: National Assembly Passes the Municipal Demarcation Authority Bill

The National Assembly (NA) yesterday passed the Independent Municipal Demarcation Authority Bill. The Bill provides for the establishment of an Independent Municipal Demarcation Authority, which will replace the current Municipal Demarcation Board under a new legislative framework. It sets out the criteria and procedures for determining and redetermining municipal boundaries and for delimiting municipalities into wards. The Bill also seeks to ensure that municipal boundaries support effective local governance, the equitable and sustainable provision of services, integrated development and economic development. Other important provisions in the Bill include public participation in municipal boundary determinations and ward delimitation. This means that communities can comment on and object to proposed decisions, while a Demarcation Appeals Authority will provide a mechanism for challenging certain demarcation decisions. The Bill also includes information technology among the areas of knowledge and expertise that may be considered when appointing members of the Board. In addition, the selection panel responsible for recommending Board members will include representation from the Nati