Alderlady Suzane Jansen
Speaker

Office Manager:
PA to the speaker: Mr. Earl Pearce
Tel: +27 (0) 44 203 3014
Email: earl@oudtmun.gov.za

Functions of speakers in terms of Section 37 of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, Act 117 of 1998

The speaker of a municipal council-
(a) presides at meetings of the council;
(b) performs the duties and exercises the powers delegated to the speaker in terms of section 59 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act,
2000 (Act 32 of 2000);
[Para. (b) amended by s. 14 (a) of Act 51 of 2002.]
(c) must ensure that the council meets at least quarterly;
(d) must maintain order during meetings;
(e) must ensure compliance in the council and council committees with the Code of Conduct set out in Schedule 1 to the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000); and
[Para. (e) amended by s. 14 (b) of Act 51 of 2002.]
(f) must ensure that council meetings are conducted in accordance with the rules and orders of the council.

Key Responsibilities:

Presiding over Council Meetings:

The Speaker chairs all council meetings, ensuring they are conducted in an orderly and efficient manner according to the municipality’s rules.

Maintaining Order and Ensuring Compliance:

The Speaker is responsible for maintaining order during meetings, ensuring that all councillors adhere to the Code of Conduct for Councillors, and that meetings are conducted according to the rules of order.

Upholding the Code of Conduct:

The Speaker ensures that councillors adhere to the Code of Conduct, which sets ethical and behavioural standards for their conduct.

Facilitating Community Participation:

The Speaker plays a vital role in fostering community involvement in municipal affairs, often through public participation programs and workshops.

Chairing Committees:

The Speaker may chair specific committees, such as the Petitions Committee or oversight committees, depending on the municipality’s structure.

Ensuring Functionality of Ward Committees:

The Speaker ensures that ward committees, which represent local communities, are functioning effectively.

Leadership and Representation:

The Speaker provides political leadership within the municipality and acts as a representative of the council in various forums.

Managing Civic Education Programs:

The Speaker coordinates and manages civic education programs aimed at informing the public about municipal affairs.

In essence, the Speaker acts as a facilitator, leader, and representative within the local municipality, ensuring the smooth functioning of the council, promoting community engagement, and upholding ethical standards.