Laws for Local Government: A guide for women councillors

In 1994, for the first time, all South African had the right to vote. Soon afterwards, a new constitution was adopted and people also had the chance to vote at local level for democratis municipal councils.

Local government has always been important to women, because so much of the work of municipalities directly affects the quality of life in our communities. Women have been at the forefront of the struggle for a decent life for their families and communities. Now they are taking their rightful place in municipalities, as councillors and officials.

In December 2000 the first fully non-racial democratic local government elections were held within newly demarcated municipalities. There are now 231 local councils, 47 district councils and 6 metropolitan councils. For the first time, municipalities exist even in rural areas.

Year of Publication: 2009