de Visser, Jaap2019-08-192019-08-192006de Visser, J. (2006). Local accountability: enforcing the Code of Conduct for councillors. Community Law Centre, University of the Western Capehttp://hdl.handle.net/10566/4843This paper focuses on the role of the council of a municipality towards ensuring accountable governance. First, it discusses the Code of Conduct for councillors, which is the key instrument at the hands of the municipal council to ensure accountability of the council and councillors. Second, it analyses the way in which the Code of Conduct can be enforced. Third, it presents a case study of an instance in which these instruments to enforce ethical conduct were invoked. Fourth, it provides an analysis of a key area where improvements can be made and proposes a way forward to making those improvements.A perceived lack of responsiveness on the part of councillors towards their citizens as well as perceived, alleged and proven cases of corruption and maladministration involving councillors all contribute to the perception that municipal councils are not accountable to their local communities. While it is generally accepted and often reiterated that the necessary legislation to ensure accountable local government is in place, the lack of enforcement of this legislation is often cited as the problem.enLocal accountabilityCode of conductCouncillorsEnforcementOther