African Charter on the Values and Principles of Decentralization, Local Government and Local Development

Meeting report

The meeting commenced with apologies. The Chairperson welcomed everyone on the platform.

Report of the Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Water, Sanitation and Human Settlement on Consideration on African Charter on the Values and Principles of Decentralization, Local Government and Local Development

The Committee Secretary took the Members through the report

Having considered the African Union Charter on the Values and Principles of Decentralization, Local Government and Local Development, the Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Water, Sanitation and Human Settlements) recommends as follows:

-The National Council of Provinces notes the African Union “Charter on the Values and Principles of Decentralization, Local Governance and Local Development” seeks to provide a framework on the decentralization of powers and functions from national governments to other spheres of governments across the continent.

-The National Council of Provinces approves the ratification of the Decentralization Charter in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.

Read full report here https://pmg.org.za/tabled-committee-report/5547/

Discussion

Mr B Smit (DA, Limpopo) said his party welcomed and supported the Charter. They called on the South African government to also support the Charter and decentralise the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape regarding rail services and other services to be decentralised.

Ms S Shaikh (ANC, Limpopo) appreciated the report. She was pleased with its content and moved for its adoption without amendment.

Mr R Badenhorst (DA, Western Cape) agreed with his DA colleague, he said the Charter was very much what the Western Cape government tried to achieve through the devolution bill currently before the provincial legislature. He supported the Charter.

The Chairperson noted all Members present were unanimous in their support of the Committee Report and there was no opposition.

The Committee Report was adopted.