FRAMEWORK FOR TRANSITION

SALGA National Municipal Managers Meeting

28 February 2011

Background

• SALGA and Municipalities will be faced with a number of unique processes related to specifically the elections as well as typical municipal processes which will be influenced by the elections

• The 2011 local government elections provides an opportunity for organised local government to play a proactive and leadership role in all related processes to the elections

Discussion

• Framework is an all-encompassing SALGA response to the issues facing LG during the transition period

• The support provided in terms of the Framework will be coordinated internally, will be coherent from the perspective of municipalities, and will be integrated within the priorities and programmes of SALGA

Prior to elections

• Develop comprehensive plan in respect of Councilor Induction Programme, including proposed roll-out, budget, funding contingencies, programme, etc.

• Showcase “LG good news”

Prior – cont...

• Development of guidelines/circulars in respect of: – Budgeting, integrated development planning in the period February to

May 2011 – Appointment and terms of reference for MEOs– Continued meetings of Mayco/Exco/Council during this period– Funding of municipal activities relating to elections– The continuation of projects and tenders as per the SDBIP– Preparation of a Mayco/Exco handover report on most urgent/strategic

matters on municipal horizon– Councilor support and benefits for outgoing (executive) councilors– Protocols related to overall administration of municipalities during the

transitional period– Extent of delegation of Powers to Heads of Administration in

municipalities leading up to and during the transitional period– Cooperation in the overall administration between SALGA,

municipalities and Sector Departments, leading to and during the transitional period

Prior – cont..

• Development of ongoing SALGA communication to broader LG community on SALGA role in elections, as per communications plan.

• Development of “Day 1” guidelines/circulars in respect of governance issues, such as:– Role of municipal manager during transition – First council meeting, and matters for discussion/decision,

including nominations to SALGA internal structures, such as provincial WGs, provincial SALGBC structures

– Councilor support and benefits for incoming (executive) councilors

– Approach to budgeting and planning – Convening of an “Executive/Mayoral Lekgotla” where top

management team will brief incoming executive leadership on state of municipality, and will be briefed by incoming political executive on electoral priorities

During elections

• Development of circular on role of incumbent (executive) councillors when new council is “declared elected”

• Development of circular on role and responsibilities of municipal manager

• Continued showcasing of LG successes• Continued SALGA communication on SALGA role

during elections• Ensuring sustainability of municipal administration

through continuous support and monitoring during the transitional period

Post elections

• Extensive communication on SALGA Councilor Induction Programme

• Roll-out of Councillor Induction Programme as per project plan

• Guidelines/circulars on councillor support and benefits to incoming (executive) councillors

• Convene Mayoral Lekgotla• Prepare and attend SALGA Provincial and National

Conferences• Induction of SALGA PECs and NEC (post respective

Conferences)• Advise on appointment of Section 57 Managers • Mayoral and Executive roadshow/ site visits to key projects

Post – cont...

• Briefing of Municipal Staff by Mayor• Provide advice and support on the establishment of Mayco/Exco and

Portfolio Committees in municipalities• Provision of support and advise on the sitting of Council meetings• Prioritisation of attendance of first Council meetings by SALGA, alternatively

ensuring that SALGA item features on agenda• Continued SALGA communication on SALGA’s role as organized Local

Government and the importance of payment of membership levies by municipalities.

• Development of a circular on the relationship between councillors and officials in municipalities as well as the relationship between districts and local municipalities.

• Guidelines on the role of the different office bearers: office of the Mayor, office of the Speaker, office of the Chief Whip.

• Understanding the processes and procedures regarding Section 106 (MSA) and 139 of the Constitutions.

• Functioning of Committees of Councils (section 79 & Section 80 Committees)

Recommendations

• It is recommended that the Forum – Discuss the framework– Make any amendments as it may deem

necessary