LGL3702
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2025
2 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: 25 August 2025
The Role of Local Government in Realising the Rights of Residents of Extension 39
Introduction
Local government in South Africa plays a critical role in the everyday lives of communities.
Section 152 of the Constitution outlines the objectives of municipalities, including the
obligation to provide democratic and accountable government, ensure the sustainable
provision of services, promote social and economic development, create a safe and healthy
environment, and encourage community participation.1 The case of the residents of
Extension 39 highlights the ongoing challenges municipalities face in service delivery.
Despite promises of infrastructure development, the lack of basic amenities such as water,
sanitation, electricity, and housing demonstrates a failure to realise the constitutional rights
of these residents. This essay examines the role of local government in the realisation of
these rights by focusing on constitutional provisions, legislation such as the Municipal
Systems Act and the Municipal Finance Management Act, as well as relevant case law.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
The Role of Local Government in Realising the Rights of Residents of
Extension 39
Introduction
Local government in South Africa plays a critical role in the everyday lives of
communities. Section 152 of the Constitution outlines the objectives of municipalities,
including the obligation to provide democratic and accountable government, ensure
the sustainable provision of services, promote social and economic development,
create a safe and healthy environment, and encourage community participation.1
The case of the residents of Extension 39 highlights the ongoing challenges
municipalities face in service delivery. Despite promises of infrastructure
development, the lack of basic amenities such as water, sanitation, electricity, and
housing demonstrates a failure to realise the constitutional rights of these residents.
This essay examines the role of local government in the realisation of these rights by
focusing on constitutional provisions, legislation such as the Municipal Systems Act
and the Municipal Finance Management Act, as well as relevant case law.
Constitutional Framework
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, entrenches socio-economic
rights that are directly relevant to the grievances of the Extension 39 community.
Section 152(1)(b) identifies the sustainable provision of services as one of the core
objects of local government.2 The lack of water, sanitation, refuse collection, and
electricity in Extension 39 indicates a direct failure to meet this constitutional
objective. Section 152(1)(c) further obliges municipalities to promote social and
economic development, which is undermined when communities live without
essential services.
Section 27 of the Constitution guarantees everyone the right of access to sufficient
water, while section 26 provides for the right of access to adequate housing.3 These
rights place a duty on municipalities, as the sphere of government closest to
1
Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, s 152(1).
2
Ibid s 152(1)(b).
3
Ibid ss 26–27.
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2025
2 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: 25 August 2025
The Role of Local Government in Realising the Rights of Residents of Extension 39
Introduction
Local government in South Africa plays a critical role in the everyday lives of communities.
Section 152 of the Constitution outlines the objectives of municipalities, including the
obligation to provide democratic and accountable government, ensure the sustainable
provision of services, promote social and economic development, create a safe and healthy
environment, and encourage community participation.1 The case of the residents of
Extension 39 highlights the ongoing challenges municipalities face in service delivery.
Despite promises of infrastructure development, the lack of basic amenities such as water,
sanitation, electricity, and housing demonstrates a failure to realise the constitutional rights
of these residents. This essay examines the role of local government in the realisation of
these rights by focusing on constitutional provisions, legislation such as the Municipal
Systems Act and the Municipal Finance Management Act, as well as relevant case law.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
The Role of Local Government in Realising the Rights of Residents of
Extension 39
Introduction
Local government in South Africa plays a critical role in the everyday lives of
communities. Section 152 of the Constitution outlines the objectives of municipalities,
including the obligation to provide democratic and accountable government, ensure
the sustainable provision of services, promote social and economic development,
create a safe and healthy environment, and encourage community participation.1
The case of the residents of Extension 39 highlights the ongoing challenges
municipalities face in service delivery. Despite promises of infrastructure
development, the lack of basic amenities such as water, sanitation, electricity, and
housing demonstrates a failure to realise the constitutional rights of these residents.
This essay examines the role of local government in the realisation of these rights by
focusing on constitutional provisions, legislation such as the Municipal Systems Act
and the Municipal Finance Management Act, as well as relevant case law.
Constitutional Framework
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, entrenches socio-economic
rights that are directly relevant to the grievances of the Extension 39 community.
Section 152(1)(b) identifies the sustainable provision of services as one of the core
objects of local government.2 The lack of water, sanitation, refuse collection, and
electricity in Extension 39 indicates a direct failure to meet this constitutional
objective. Section 152(1)(c) further obliges municipalities to promote social and
economic development, which is undermined when communities live without
essential services.
Section 27 of the Constitution guarantees everyone the right of access to sufficient
water, while section 26 provides for the right of access to adequate housing.3 These
rights place a duty on municipalities, as the sphere of government closest to
1
Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, s 152(1).
2
Ibid s 152(1)(b).
3
Ibid ss 26–27.
