This chapter describes the status, powers, functions and composition of local government/municipalities. It explains the makeup of local government, its powers and functions. Local governments make decisions and laws for their municipal areas. Municipal councils carry out the executive and legislative functions of local government.

Municipal councils are elected every 5 years in local elections. In order to vote in municipal elections, one must actually live in the area covered by the local government or own property in the area, and they must be registered as a voter in the relevant area. Local governments are empowered by this chapter to make by-laws, but these must not go against the Constitution or any act of Parliament or any provincial ordinance.

Local governments have the right to administer the local government matters listed in Part B of Schedule 4 to the Constitution, such as air pollution and firefighting services; and Part B of Schedule 5 of the Constitution, such as street trading and street lighting, and any other matters referred to them by national or provincial laws.

Once again emphasis is given to the need for both national and provincial government to support the ability of municipalities to manage their affairs.