It is shocking that a post-1994 dispensation, emerging from a colonial-apartheid liberation struggle whose core objective was the return of land, has presided over the increase of informal settlements from 300 to 4000

The Bill seeks to stabilise local government by ensuring that parties which make the composition of municipal councils are a true representation of the will of the majority, Deputy Minister Namane Masemola said

The new Act heralds a bold move away from Eskom’s monopoly but there is potential for challenge

A recent report noted that 213 people were assassinated in the last seven years, and of these 118 were in KwaZulu-Natal

Participation in our fledgling democracy at all levels is the best way forward

Households are battling to keep up with their municipal bills in the face of stubbornly high interest rates, according to Salga This content is restricted to registered users and subscribers. Get Your Free Account The Mail & Guardian is committed to providing all our readers with the best possible experience. Please register your free account now. Your registration is your first step to becoming an M&G community member. Register Registration enables: – M&G newsletters access – notifications – the best possible experience Already registered? Login here Want to subscribe and get even more benefits? Explore our subscription offers

Half of respondents treat their municipal water by boiling or filtering it before consumption, while 8% specified that they drink only bottled water This content is restricted to registered users and subscribers. Get Your Free Account The Mail & Guardian is committed to providing all our readers with the best possible experience. Please register your free account now. Your registration is your first step to becoming an M&G community member. Register Registration enables: – M&G newsletters access – notifications – the best possible experience Already registered? Login here Want to subscribe and get even more benefits? Explore our subscription offers