Services and Functions of the Municipality

The Municipality has legislative authority and is empowered to govern, on its own initiative, the local governmental affairs of its community, subject to national and provincial legislation, as provided for in the Constitution and other relevant legislation.

The Municipality operates within a legislative framework which consists of various statutes, which include as well as their amendments:

• The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996);
• The Local Government: Transitional Act (Act 209 of 1993);
• The Local Government: Municipal Structures Act (Act 117 of 1998);
• The Local Government: Municipal Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000); and
• The Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act (Act 56 of 2003)

Other Statutes which impact on the governance of the Municipality include (the list is not exhaustive):

• The Water Services Act (Act 108 of 1997);
• The National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998);
• The Electoral Act, 1998 (Act 73 of 1998);
• The Promotion of Local Government Affairs Act (Act 91 of 1983);
• The Electricity Act (Act 41 of 1987);
• The Promotion of Access to Information Act (Act 2 of 2000);
• The Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (Act 3 of 2000);
• The Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA)
• The National Health Act (Act 61 of 2003);
• The Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993;
• The Labour Relations Act (Act 66 of 1995);
• The Basic Conditions of Employment Act (Act 75 of 1997);
• The Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998);
• The Skills Development Act (Act 97 of 1998);
• The Unemployment Insurance Act (Act 63 of 2001);
• The Pension Funds Act (Act 24 of 1956);
• The Housing Act (Act 107 of 1997);
• The Prevention of Illegal Eviction from and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act (Act 19 of 1998);
• The Removal of Restrictions Act (Act 84 of 1967);
• The Expropriation Act (Act 63 Of 1975);
• The Limitation of Legal Proceedings (Provincial and Local Authorities) Act (Act 94 of 1970);
• The Arbitration Act (Act 42 of 1965);
• The Public Audit Act (Act 25 of 2004); and
• The National Road Traffic Act (Act 93 of 1996)

Business, Functions and Objectives

In terms of its category B status the Karoo Hoogland Municipality has been empowered to perform the following functions as bestowed upon it by the Constitution in terms of section 156(1) and the division of powers and functions as per Schedule 4 part B and Schedule 5 part B:

• Water provision
• Waste Water(Sanitation)
• Electricity provision
• Waste management
• Free basic services
• Road transport
• Waste water and storm water drainage
• Community and Social Services
• Museums
• Cemeteries
• Environmental Protection
• Health Services
• Sport and Recreation
• Library
• Municipal Buildings and assets
• Building Regulations
• Land Use Management
• Fire Fighting services
• Disaster Management

Furthermore, the business of Karoo Hoogland municipality comes from legislation which capsulates the following also to be able to deliver proper services:

• the collection of rates levied;
• proper asset management;
• supply chain management to procure goods and services;
• contract management and monitoring
• proper record keeping;
• policy formulation and implementation
• human resource management
• project management
• infrastructure management and maintenance
• grant management
• local economic development
• spatial planning and development
• performance management
• good governance

Objectives for Local Government

• To provide democratic and accountable government for local communities.
• To ensure the provision of sustainable services to communities.
• To promote social and economic development.
• To promote a safe and healthy environment.
• To encourage the involvement of communities and community organisations in matters of local government.

Strategic Objectives of Karoo Hoogland

• Provide Quality living human settlements with basic infrastructure for all residents
• Create economic centres that provide an enabling environment for business growth job creation and SMME opportunities
• Improve financial viability and sustainability through efficient budget processes financial systems and legislative requirements
• Promote skilled labour force through education and training to improve employability
• Promote employee wellness by implementing various programmes
• Ensure responsive and accountable governance
• Ensure an informed community through implementation of communication strategies
• Promote community participation through local government structures