IMSI Bill threatens jail punishment for obstructing municipal rescue efforts

COOPERATIVE Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa plans to tighten the law authorising the government to intervene in struggling provinces and municipalities and go after anyone frustrating such interventions.

- LOYISO SIDIMBA

The Intergovernmental Monitoring, Support and Interventions (IMSI) Bill sets out the parameters of all interventions by the national government in provinces.

The bill will also govern interventions by provincial governments in municipalities facing challenges.

In terms of Section 100 of the Constitution, the national government may intervene in provincial administration. when a province cannot or does not fulfil an executive obligation in terms of the country's supreme law.

These interventions include issuing a directive to the provincial executive, describing the extent of the failure to fulfil its obligations and stating any steps required to meet its obligations, and assuming responsibility for the relevant obligation in a province.

In local government, provinces intervene when a municipality cannot or does not fulfil an executive obligation in terms of the Constitution or legislation.