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.