A premier in South Africa's provinces is the head of the provincial government. This position mirrors the president's role at the national level, functioning as the chief executive and leading the province's executive council. Premiers are chosen by members of the provincial legislature, typically from the dominant political party. Similar to the President and national cabinet, the Premier appoints Members of the Executive Council (MECs) to oversee various provincial departments.[1]
The concept of Premiers in South Africa is directly linked to the establishment of the country's current nine-province system in 1994. This marked a dramatic shift from the previous apartheid era:
Prior to 1994, South Africa consisted of four provinces governed by administrators appointed by the central government. These provinces were established during the formation of the Union of South Africa in 1910.
The dismantling of apartheid and the first democratic elections in 1994 led to a significant restructuring of the government.
A key aspect of this change was the creation of nine provinces, incorporating the former "homelands" (Bantustans) into a unified South Africa. These "homelands" were territories designated for specific racial groups under apartheid. Their inclusion aimed to dismantle the spatial segregation enforced by the apartheid regime.
To ensure democratic representation at this new provincial level, the position of Premier was created. Premiers became the elected leaders responsible for heading their respective provincial governments.
South Africa's three-tier system of government – national, provincial, and local – necessitates a complex web of relationships to ensure smooth operation. Premiers, as heads of provincial governments, play a crucial role in intergovernmental relations.
The South African Constitution emphasizes cooperative governance as a core principle. This means all spheres of government – national, provincial, and local – have a legal obligation to work together for the collective good of the country.
Premiers play a vital role in fostering this cooperation within their provinces. They convene Premier's Inter-governmental Forums (PIFs), bringing together local government representatives (mayors) and provincial-level officials (MECs).
PIFs serve as platforms for:
The national government sets the overall policy framework for the country. However, provinces have some legislative and executive autonomy.
Premiers maintain regular communication with the President and national ministers (through bodies like the Ministerial and Member of the Executive Council Meetings – MINMECs).
This allows for:
Despite the emphasis on cooperation, tensions can arise between levels of government.
These might involve:
South Africa has established various mechanisms to address intergovernmental disputes.
These include:
In terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the executive authority of a province is vested in the Premier. The Premier appoints an Executive Council made up of five to ten members of the provincial legislature; they are known as Members of the Executive Council (MECs). The MECs are effectively ministers and the Executive Council a cabinet at the provincial level. The Premier has the power to hire and fire MECs at their own discretion. The Western Cape is the only province where MECs are known as Provincial Ministers and the Executive Council is known as the Provincial Cabinet, in terms of Section 42 of the Constitution of the Western Cape, 1997. [2]
The Premier and the Executive Council are responsible for implementing provincial legislation, along with any national legislation assigned to the provinces. They set provincial policy and manage the departments of the provincial government; their actions are subject to the national constitution and the provincial constitution (if there is one).
In order for an act of the provincial legislature to become law, the Premier must sign it. If the Premier believes that the act is unconstitutional, it can be referred back to the legislature for reconsideration. If the Premier and the legislature cannot agree, the act must be referred to the Constitutional Court for a final decision.
The Premier is also ex officio a member of the National Council of Provinces, the upper house of Parliament, as one of the special delegates from his or her province.
Elections for the nine provincial legislatures are held every five years, simultaneously with the election of the National Assembly; the last such election occurred on 29 May 2024. At the first meeting of the provincial legislature after an election, the members choose the Premier from amongst themselves. The legislature can force the Premier to resign by a motion of no confidence. If the Premiership becomes vacant (for whatever reason) the legislature must choose a new Premier to serve out the period until the next election.
 |
