Question NW1741 to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
23 September 2016 - NW1741
Waters, Mr M to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Whether he will table legislation to move the Matatiele Local Municipality from the Eastern Cape back to KwaZulu-Natal; if not, why not; if so, (a) by what date and (b) what are the further relevant details?
Reply:
No.
Section 103 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (“the Constitution”), read with Schedule 1A, provides for the boundaries of the Provinces.
The movement of the Matatiele Local Municipality from the Eastern Cape Province to the KwaZulu-Natal Province, or the movement of any municipality from one province to another, therefore requires an amendment to the Constitution.
As the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services is the custodian of the Constitution, it is that Minister who will table legislation in this regard, should such a decision be taken to move the Matatiele Local Municipality to the KwaZulu-Natal Province.