Chapter 3: Co-operative Government

CHAPTER 3
co-opeRAtiVe GoVeRnment
Government of the Republic
40.	�

(1)

In the Republic, government is constituted as national, provincial and local spheres
of government which are distinctive, interdependent and interrelated.
(2)	� All spheres of government must observe and adhere to the principles in this Chapter
and must conduct their activities within the parameters that the Chapter provides.

Principles of co-operative government and intergovernmental relations
41.

(1)	� All spheres of government and all organs of state within each sphere must—
(a)	� preserve the peace, national unity and the indivisibility of the Republic;
(b)	� secure the well-being of the people of the Republic;
(c)	� provide effective, transparent, accountable and coherent government for the
Republic as a whole;
(d)	� be loyal to the Constitution, the Republic and its people;
(e)	� respect the constitutional status, institutions, powers and functions of
government in the other spheres;
(f)	� not assume any power or function except those conferred on them in terms of
the Constitution;
(g)	� exercise their powers and perform their functions in a manner that does
not encroach on the geographical, functional or institutional integrity of
government in another sphere; and
(h)	� co-operate with one another in mutual trust and good faith by—
(i)	� fostering friendly relations;
(ii)	� assisting and supporting one another;
(iii)	� informing one another of, and consulting one another on, matters of
common interest;
(iv)	� co-ordinating their actions and legislation with one another;
(v)	� adhering to agreed procedures; and
(vi)	� avoiding legal proceedings against one another.
(2) 	 An Act of Parliament must—

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