, LGL3702 Assignment 1
Semester 2 2025
DUE 25 August 2025
Use this document as a guide and for references to answer your assignment
The Role of Local Government in the Realisation
of Residents’ Rights in Extension 39
Introduction
The situation faced by residents of Extension 39 informal settlement along the N14
Highway reflects a persistent and systemic failure of service delivery by local
government. Despite promises made in 2021 regarding the provision of bulk
infrastructure, low-cost housing, sanitation, roads, and public amenities, residents
remain without basic services. Their reliance on water tankers, pit latrines, and
illegal electricity connections highlights the severe deprivation of socio-economic
rights, particularly in a constitutional democracy that prioritises human dignity,
equality, and freedom.
The South African Constitution of 1996 places the responsibility for basic service
delivery primarily on municipalities. This duty is further elaborated in statutory law
such as the Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000, the Municipal Structures Act 117 of
1998, and the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003. Moreover, case law
has repeatedly affirmed that local government plays a central role in realising
socio-economic rights such as access to water, sanitation, housing, and health.
This essay explores the constitutional and legislative framework underpinning
municipal duties in service delivery. It then applies this framework to the Extension
39 context, highlighting the failures of local government and assessing residents’
rights in terms of case law precedents.
The Constitutional Framework
Foundational Principles
Semester 2 2025
DUE 25 August 2025
Use this document as a guide and for references to answer your assignment
The Role of Local Government in the Realisation
of Residents’ Rights in Extension 39
Introduction
The situation faced by residents of Extension 39 informal settlement along the N14
Highway reflects a persistent and systemic failure of service delivery by local
government. Despite promises made in 2021 regarding the provision of bulk
infrastructure, low-cost housing, sanitation, roads, and public amenities, residents
remain without basic services. Their reliance on water tankers, pit latrines, and
illegal electricity connections highlights the severe deprivation of socio-economic
rights, particularly in a constitutional democracy that prioritises human dignity,
equality, and freedom.
The South African Constitution of 1996 places the responsibility for basic service
delivery primarily on municipalities. This duty is further elaborated in statutory law
such as the Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000, the Municipal Structures Act 117 of
1998, and the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003. Moreover, case law
has repeatedly affirmed that local government plays a central role in realising
socio-economic rights such as access to water, sanitation, housing, and health.
This essay explores the constitutional and legislative framework underpinning
municipal duties in service delivery. It then applies this framework to the Extension
39 context, highlighting the failures of local government and assessing residents’
rights in terms of case law precedents.
The Constitutional Framework
Foundational Principles
