The Constitution clearly separates political governance (Council oversight and policy-making) from administrative implementation (Municipal Manager and officials). Safeguards include delegation frameworks, oversight committees (including the Audit Committee), a Code of Conduct for Councillors and municipal employees, and clear reporting lines.
Councillors may not instruct administration officials outside an approved delegation, and administration officials report to the Municipal Manager, not individual councillors. Policy direction and administrative execution operate independently yet collaboratively.
The separation of powers is not a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ but is framed by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa ( Sections 151 and 160), the Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, and the MFMA.
