In South Africa, a district municipality or Category C municipality is a type of municipality that performs some of the functions of local government for a district.
The district municipality and its local municipalities then share the functions of local government in their areas to ensure that all communities, particularly disadvantaged communities, have equal access to resources and services.
The district municipality plays a coordinating and supportive role to its local municipalities, as well as providing bulk and/or shared services.
All district municipalities in South Africa have a municipality code that contains the letters “DC” followed by a number from 1 to 48.
Roles of a District Municipality
Section 83(3) of the Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (Act 117 of 1998), states that; a district municipality must seek to achieve the integrated, sustainable, and equitable social and economic development of its area as a whole by;
Ensuring integrated development planning for the district as a whole
Promoting bulk infrastructural development and services for the district as a whole
Building the capacity of local municipalities in its area to perform their functions and exercise their powers where such capacity is lacking
Promoting the equitable distribution of resources between the local municipalities in its area to ensure appropriate levels of municipal services within the area
List of South Africa’s district municipalities
South Africa has 44 district municipalities and they are listed below.
