LGL3702
MAY JUNE EXAMINATION
QUALITY ANSWERS
06 JUNE 2024
QUESTION 1
1.1 According to the Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (MFMA), and the
Municipal Property Rates Act, 7 of 2004,
• The municipality must serve a written notice on the tenant or occupier, informing
them of the amount of rates in arrears, the date by which the arrears must be
paid, and the consequences of not paying the arrears.1
• The tenant or occupier must be given a reasonable period to pay the arrears,
usually 30 days.
• The municipality may charge interest and penalties on the outstanding arrears,
as prescribed by the MFMA. 2
• If the tenant or occupier fails to pay the arrears, the municipality may issue a
warrant of distress and sale, allowing it to seize and sell the tenant's or occupier's
movable property to recover the debt.
• In extreme cases, if the tenant or occupier is in severe arrears, the municipality
may apply to court for an eviction order.3
1.2 The principle of municipal public relations (PR) is closely linked to public
participation
• Municipal PR involves sharing information about municipal services, projects,
and policies with the public. This communication helps to educate citizens about
the municipality's activities, fostering understanding and trust.
• Public relations in municipalities involves building relationships with the
community, listening to their concerns, and addressing their needs. This
engagement helps to promote public participation in municipal decision-making
processes.
• Municipal PR encourages citizens to provide feedback and input on municipal
initiatives, services, and policies. This feedback helps to shape municipal
decisions and ensures that the needs of the community are considered.
1 Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act No. 56 of 2003), Section 54.
2 Municipal Property Rates Act, 7 of 2004
3 Municipal Property Rates Act, 7 of 2004
, • Public relations in municipalities is essential for building trust and transparency.
By communicating openly and honestly, municipalities can demonstrate their
commitment to accountability and transparency.
• Municipal PR helps to promote a sense of community by highlighting the
municipality's achievements, promoting community events, and celebrating local
successes.
Public participation in municipalities is essential for ensuring that the needs and
concerns of citizens are heard and addressed. By integrating public relations with public
participation, municipalities can. 4
• Public relations can help to increase citizen engagement by providing a platform
for citizens to share their thoughts and opinions.
• Public participation can improve decision-making by ensuring that municipal
decisions are informed by the needs and concerns of citizens.
• Public participation can enhance accountability by holding municipal officials
accountable for their actions and decisions.
• Public participation can foster community pride by empowering citizens to take
ownership of their community and its development.
1.3 Even though the Municipal Electoral Act regulates only local government elections,
it must be read with the Constitution, the Electoral Commission Act 51 of 1996, the
Electoral Act and the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act. Chapters 2–7 of the
Municipal Electoral Act regulate the following.5
• the voter’s roll applicable to municipal elections. 6
• preparations for elections, including election timetables, parties, ward candidates,
voting stations and election officer. 7
• voting procedures
• the counting of votes
• the prohibition of certain conduct, off ences and penalties.
4 Municipal Property Rates Act, 7 of 2004, Section 14
5 Maass, S. & Beukes, S. M. (2019). Study Guide: Local Government Law. Department of Public, Constitutional and
International Law, University of South Africa, Pretoria Pg 27.
6 Maass, S. & Beukes, S. M. (2019). Study Guide: Local Government Law. Department of Public, Constitutional and
International Law, University of South Africa, Pretoria Pg 27.
7 Maass, S. & Beukes, S. M. (2019). Study Guide: Local Government Law. Department of Public, Constitutional and
International Law, University of South Africa, Pretoria Pg 27.
MAY JUNE EXAMINATION
QUALITY ANSWERS
06 JUNE 2024
QUESTION 1
1.1 According to the Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (MFMA), and the
Municipal Property Rates Act, 7 of 2004,
• The municipality must serve a written notice on the tenant or occupier, informing
them of the amount of rates in arrears, the date by which the arrears must be
paid, and the consequences of not paying the arrears.1
• The tenant or occupier must be given a reasonable period to pay the arrears,
usually 30 days.
• The municipality may charge interest and penalties on the outstanding arrears,
as prescribed by the MFMA. 2
• If the tenant or occupier fails to pay the arrears, the municipality may issue a
warrant of distress and sale, allowing it to seize and sell the tenant's or occupier's
movable property to recover the debt.
• In extreme cases, if the tenant or occupier is in severe arrears, the municipality
may apply to court for an eviction order.3
1.2 The principle of municipal public relations (PR) is closely linked to public
participation
• Municipal PR involves sharing information about municipal services, projects,
and policies with the public. This communication helps to educate citizens about
the municipality's activities, fostering understanding and trust.
• Public relations in municipalities involves building relationships with the
community, listening to their concerns, and addressing their needs. This
engagement helps to promote public participation in municipal decision-making
processes.
• Municipal PR encourages citizens to provide feedback and input on municipal
initiatives, services, and policies. This feedback helps to shape municipal
decisions and ensures that the needs of the community are considered.
1 Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act No. 56 of 2003), Section 54.
2 Municipal Property Rates Act, 7 of 2004
3 Municipal Property Rates Act, 7 of 2004
, • Public relations in municipalities is essential for building trust and transparency.
By communicating openly and honestly, municipalities can demonstrate their
commitment to accountability and transparency.
• Municipal PR helps to promote a sense of community by highlighting the
municipality's achievements, promoting community events, and celebrating local
successes.
Public participation in municipalities is essential for ensuring that the needs and
concerns of citizens are heard and addressed. By integrating public relations with public
participation, municipalities can. 4
• Public relations can help to increase citizen engagement by providing a platform
for citizens to share their thoughts and opinions.
• Public participation can improve decision-making by ensuring that municipal
decisions are informed by the needs and concerns of citizens.
• Public participation can enhance accountability by holding municipal officials
accountable for their actions and decisions.
• Public participation can foster community pride by empowering citizens to take
ownership of their community and its development.
1.3 Even though the Municipal Electoral Act regulates only local government elections,
it must be read with the Constitution, the Electoral Commission Act 51 of 1996, the
Electoral Act and the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act. Chapters 2–7 of the
Municipal Electoral Act regulate the following.5
• the voter’s roll applicable to municipal elections. 6
• preparations for elections, including election timetables, parties, ward candidates,
voting stations and election officer. 7
• voting procedures
• the counting of votes
• the prohibition of certain conduct, off ences and penalties.
4 Municipal Property Rates Act, 7 of 2004, Section 14
5 Maass, S. & Beukes, S. M. (2019). Study Guide: Local Government Law. Department of Public, Constitutional and
International Law, University of South Africa, Pretoria Pg 27.
6 Maass, S. & Beukes, S. M. (2019). Study Guide: Local Government Law. Department of Public, Constitutional and
International Law, University of South Africa, Pretoria Pg 27.
7 Maass, S. & Beukes, S. M. (2019). Study Guide: Local Government Law. Department of Public, Constitutional and
International Law, University of South Africa, Pretoria Pg 27.
