The role of the City of Cape Town in promoting a safe and healthy environment: A case study of Manenberg

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Date

2024

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Publisher

University of the Western Cape

Abstract

The Constitution of South Africa, adopted in 1996, outlines the objectives of local government in Section 152. Specifically, subsection (d) of this section mandates that municipalities must "promote a safe and healthy environment" for their residents. Furthermore, in section 24 of the Constitution, specifically subsection (a) everyone is guaranteed the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being. This constitutional mandate obligates the City of Cape Town to implement measures that protect and promote environmental health. These constitutional imperatives place a clear responsibility on local authorities to implement policies and initiatives that safeguard public health and safety within their jurisdictions. The City must therefore ensure that policies and practices align with this constitutional provision, thereby safeguarding the health and well-being of its citizens. By enshrining these obligations in the country's supreme law, South Africa has emphasised the critical role that local governments play in ensuring the wellbeing the wel1-being of their communities through environmental protection, public health measures, and safety initiative.

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Keywords

City of Cape Town, Councillors, Manenberg, Unemployment, Crime, Safety

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