Community Action Network Vows to Safeguard Democracy During Coalition Bill Passage

As the Local Government: Municipal Structures Amendment Bill, colloquially known as the Coalition Bill, makes its way through South Africa’s legislative process, the Community Action Network (CAN) has promised to maintain a watchful eye on its progression. The bill carries the potential to alter the dynamics of local governance fundamentally, and CAN, a wing of the organization OUTA, has committed to vigilantly apply pressure to ensure the bill serves the public's interests.

The CAN Project Manager, Jonathan Erasmus, confirmed that the revised deadline for public commentary was met on August 31. CAN's engagement with the bill has been proactive, having submitted a thorough review to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. Significantly, CAN’s report garnered widespread support, co-opted by 74 additional voices from civil society entities and citizen stakeholders. This collaborative move was designed to bolster the participatory democracy framework that stands at the heart of South African governance.

Erasmus remarked on several aspects of the bill, which the organisation believes could impair the workings of local governments. Among concerns CAN has voiced, the bill's stance on stabilizing coalition governments seems to come at a price to municipal autonomy. Elements of the bill hint at an increased political presence in municipal affairs from the national and provincial ministerial levels, raising alarms about possible political overreach.

Additionally, the amendments propose restrictions on bringing forward motions of no confidence against key office bearers, including mayors and deputy mayors. Furthermore, the exclusion of the secret ballot voting mechanism could detract from the anonymity and security previously afforded to councillors during contentious votes.

Despite recognising the bill’s purported objective to introduce enhanced clarity, transparency, stability, accountability, and improved conflict resolution in governance, CAN remains cautious. Erasmus reinforces the point that municipalities represent the frontlines of government interaction for many South Africans. As such, CAN insists on the need to balance stability with the essential expression of democracy at the municipal level.

The Community Action Network's submission underscores the importance of respecting the separation of powers and adhering to the South African Constitution. With an alliance forged with OUTA's parliamentary office, CAN plans to continue its oversight role, ensuring that opportunities to influence policy and protect the electorate's will are seized upon.

CAN's oversight of the Coalition Bill is an ongoing commitment to ensuring that any changes to municipal governance serve to enhance, rather than undermine, the democratic structures in place. The organization's dedication to the cause demonstrates a concerted effort to maintain checks and balances in the South African legislative framework, a core tenet of the nation's democracy.