Portfolio Committees

Governance Committees: Sections 79 and 80 of the Municipal Structures Act, 117 of 1998

The governance framework of the ZF Mgcawu District Municipality is guided by the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 117 of 1998, which provides for the establishment, composition, and functioning of municipal councils and their internal governance structures.

In particular, Sections 79 and 80 of the Act serve as the legislative foundation for the creation of Council committees that support both executive and oversight functions within the Municipality.

Section 79 Committees: Non-Executive Oversight Bodies

In terms of Section 79, the Municipal Council may establish non-executive committees to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and oversight capacity of the Council. These committees are formed by resolution of the Council and are tasked with investigating, monitoring, and reporting on specific areas of municipal performance or policy.

The composition, mandate, and terms of reference of Section 79 Committees are determined by Council, allowing flexibility to respond to institutional priorities and service delivery demands. These structures play a critical role in supporting transparent governance and robust oversight of both political and administrative actions within the Municipality.

Section 80 Committees: The Executive Governance Architecture

The Mayoral Committee is constituted in terms of Section 80 of the Act and functions as the executive arm of the Council. Chaired by the Executive Mayor, Councillor M.C. Basson, the Mayoral Committee is composed of the Chairpersons of the various Portfolio Committees, each of whom holds a distinct functional responsibility within the Council’s governance architecture. The Committee provides strategic leadership, ensures policy coherence, and monitors the overall performance of the municipal administration in alignment with the objectives and resolutions of Council.

The District Municipality in accordance with the Municipal Structures Act has the following Portfolio Committees in place: