Judicial Delineation of Local Government Spatial Planning Powers in South Africa

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-9515/16988

Keywords:

judicial delineation, local government, municipal planning, South Africa, spatial planning, SPLUMA

Abstract

The indistinct division of spatial planning-related powers and functions in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, often leads to the overlap, conflict, and confusion of responsibilities between the national, provincial, and local spheres of government. Due to much uncertainty, municipal planning powers are a subject of massive intergovernmental contentions, coupled with an array of litigations. This article, therefore, examines the judicial delineation of local government spatial planning powers in South Africa. Through a critical analysis of relevant case law and legislation, particularly the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act 16 of 2013 (SPLUMA), this study explores the tensions between local government autonomy and the national and provincial regulatory frameworks pertinent to spatial planning powers. The research reveals that the judiciary plays a pivotal role in shaping spatial planning policy, often balancing competing interests and constitutional imperatives. Accordingly, judicial recourse has delineated spatial planning powers and asserted the autonomy of municipal planning. The findings highlight the need for legislative clarity on the division of spatial planning powers, the importance of an integrated and viable co-operative spatial governance, professional development initiatives, a more proactive approach in judicial interpretation of spatial planning laws, and meaningful community participation in spatial planning processes, to cumulatively ensure that local governments promote equitable development. This study contributes to the ongoing debate on local government powers and spatial planning in South Africa, offering valuable insights for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners.

Author Biography

Paul Mudau, University of South Africa

Dr Paul Mudau is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Public, Constitutional and International Law at the University of South Africa (Unisa). Dr Mudau is an Associate Editor of the Southern African Public Law Journal; and an Editorial Board member of the Turf Law Journal. He is the Founder and Project Leader of the Civic and Voter Education Law Project (CVELP) at Unisa. He was born in Musina, Limpopo Province, where he attended at Makushu Primary School and later went to Musina High School. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Limpopo; a Master of Laws (LLM) in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa jointly from the University of Pretoria and Makerere University, Uganda; a Master of Laws (LLM) in Law, State and Multilevel Government from the University of the Western Cape; and a PhD in Law from the University of the Witwatersrand. Dr Mudau's doctoral research was entitled: "The Role of Local Government in Achieving Spatial Equity Through the Realisation of the Right to Housing in South Africa". His specialised areas of research interests include local government law, decentralisation, human rights law, democracy and elections, and constitutional law.

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City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality v Gauteng Development Tribunal and Others 2010 (6) SA 182 (CC).

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Fedsure Life Assurance v Greater Johannesburg Transitional Metropolitan Council 1999 (1) SA 374 (CC).

Habitat Council v Provincial Minister of Local Government, Western Cape (2013 6 SA 113 (WCC)).

Lagoonbay Lifestyle Estate (Pty) Ltd v The Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning of the Western Cape & Others (320/12) [2013] ZASCA 13.

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Legislation

Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.

Development Facilitation Act 67 of 1995.

Land Use Planning Ordinance 15 of 1985 (Cape of Good Hope).

Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 117 of 1998.

Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002.

National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998.

Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act 16 of 2013.

Town Planning Ordinance 27 of 1949 (Natal).

Town-Planning and Township Ordinance 15 of 1986 (Transvaal).

Township Ordinance 9 of 1969 (Orange Free State).

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Published

2025-02-17

How to Cite

Mudau, Paul. 2025. “Judicial Delineation of Local Government Spatial Planning Powers in South Africa ”. Journal of Law, Society and Development, February, 26 pages. https://doi.org/10.25159/2520-9515/16988.

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