South African Municipal Law Forum

07/02/2026

📍 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁-𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀
The Portfolio Councillor for Social Services, together with officials from the Community Development Department of George Municipality, recently visited Mossel Bay Municipality to engage on challenges and best practices related to the management of street‑based communities.

During the visit, officials from the Directorate: Community Services shared how Mossel Bay Municipality facilitates services to the street‑based community. Constructive discussions followed, during which ideas were exchanged on approaches that are proving effective, as well as on the various stakeholders with whom the Municipality partners to address this complex social issue.

Mossel Bay Municipality works closely with The Haven Night Shelter, faith‑based organisations, businesses, the Department of Social Development, and other role players in addressing this challenge. Through its MossHope Project, the Municipality assists with the profiling and referral of homeless individuals, with a strong focus on family reunification where possible.

The delegation also visited The Haven Night Shelter, where they were briefed on the shelter’s operations and its ongoing partnership with Mossel Bay Municipality.

Members of the public are reminded to give responsibly - this means, supporting organisations that render services to street-based individuals.

📸 In the photograph:
Asavela Mandongana, Siphokazi Khani, Estelle Fredericks and Portfolio Councillor for Social Services Melvin Roelofse (George Municipality), as well as Haylene Claassen and Lucinda Laing (Mossel Bay Municipality).

07/02/2026

29/11/2025

The Dullah Omar Institute for Constitutional Law, Governance and Human Rights (UWC Faculty of Law, The University of the Western Cape) was proud to deliver a statement at the 𝟰𝟲𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 (African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child)! We reflected on the 35th Anniversary of the African Children's Charter, embracing the theme: "Reflect, Renew, Recommit." Our ongoing partnership with the ACERWC is key to advancing child rights through education, research, and advocacy. We recommit to adopting the necessary measures to build "An Africa Fit For Children."

🔗 Download the statement:https://dullahomarinstitute.org.za/siteworkspace/doi-statement-acerwc46-27112025.pdf

26/11/2025

26/11/2025

On the 19th of November 2025, the Municipal Law Forum had the honour and privilege of hosting the Dullah Omar Institute, Lexus Nexus and the University of the Western Cape on their 17th issue Book Launch. We discussed key updates in the 17th Issue of Local Government in South Africa.
An insightful event with active participants and amongst other things we touched on accountability of municipal officials, self-review applications, co-operation on Inter-governmental issues, public service delivery, etc
We had a special guest Ms Thembisile Simelane: Minister of Human Settlements present. Amongst other dignitaries our key speakers who addressed the updates of the new Issued Local Government in South Africa were: Prof Nico Steytler ,Professor of the Dullah Omar Institute, University of the Western Cape; Prof Jaap de Visser Chair of the SARChI Chair in Multilevel Government, Law and Development Dr. Johandri Wright: Postdoctoral Fellow Dullah Omar Institute and Dr Curtly Stevens: Postdoctoral Fellow institute
Professor Tinashe Chigwata: Deputy Director of Dullah Omar Institute briefed the attendees on the Introduction to Local Government Law in south Africa and its legacy.

Congratulations to our three winners on winning three copies of the book.

We thank you once again for honouring the invitation.”