The executive mayor/municipal manager interface

Abstract

The introduction of the current system of local government and administration has resulted in the transformation of the political and the administrative systems of municipalities. The transformation is most obvious in municipalities making use of the type contemplated in section 7 of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (Act 117 of 1998). The types inter alia provide for a mayoral executive system for the three categories of municipality. The mayoral system provides for the election of an executive mayor. Duties are assigned to the executive mayor (Section 56) corresponding to a large extent with those of an executive committee system (section 44). However, the main difference is in the relationship between the executive mayor and the administration on the one hand and the executive committee and the administration on the other hand. The functioning of the executive mayoral system allows the political office bearer to perform particular functions that may be considered to be the responsibility of the municipal manager. The latter is appointed as head of administration and as such is accountable for the proper functioning of the administrative support system. However, the executive mayor may endeavour to follow hands on approach, bringing the two components into conflict with one another. The paper clarifies the relationship required to ensure efficient and effective municipal government and administration, focussed on service delivery and obviating the danger of conflict hampering the achievement of goals.