Role of the Mayor & Speaker

The Mayor of the Letsemeng Local Municipality, Ms.Thandiwe Reachable, also serves as the Speaker of the Council.

Role of the Mayor

The functions of the Mayor are set out in the Municipal Structures Act. The mayor is elected by the Municipal council to co-ordinate the work of the Municipality. The Mayor is the political head of the municipality and is expected to provide the required leadership necessary to keep the municipality moving in the proper direction. The mayor presides over meetingsof the executive committee and performs functions assigned to him or her by the municipalcouncil or the executive committee. These duties include any ceremonial duties. The Municipal Manager is directly accountable to the mayor. The mayor appoints the municipal manager and heads of departments upon resolution of the council. One person may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms as mayor in the same council.

Role of the Speaker

The Constitution and Municipal Structures Act requires that every Council elects a Chairperson, who is called The Speaker. The aim of the Office of the Speaker is to structure the two functions of a Municipal Council, i.e. its legislative function and its executive function. The Speaker presides at meetings of the Council and performs the duties and exercises the powers delegated to the Speaker. These duties include:

  • Ensuring that Council meets at least quarterly;
  • Maintaining order during meetings; must ensure;
  • Ensuring compliance in the Council and Council committees with the Code of Conduct of Councillors; and
  • Ensuring that Council meetings are conducted in accordance with the rules and orders of the Council.