The Tshwane metro has adopted its amended Rules and Orders By-Laws, in a move aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and ethical governance within council.

The resolution was approved during a council sitting held on March 26, marking what city officials describe as a significant step towards improving how council business is conducted.

According to the metro, the updated by-laws form the backbone of how council and committee meetings operate, guiding procedures, conduct and the overall management of municipal decision-making.

Acting Deputy Director in the Office of the Speaker, Vanessa de Sousa, said the amendments are intended to modernise governance processes and enhance institutional integrity.

“The amended Rules and Orders By-Laws represent a progressive step towards strengthening transparency, accountability and ethical governance within Council,” said De Sousa.

She explained that the review process was led by the Section 79 Standing Committee on Rules and Ethics and followed a comprehensive evaluation of existing procedures.

De Sousa said the review was aimed at ensuring that the metro’s legislative instruments remain relevant and aligned with the evolving administrative and governance environment.

“The amendments are expected to improve procedural efficiency and strengthen oversight mechanisms within council structures,” she said.

She said they also aim to promote more structured and inclusive deliberations, ensuring that decision-making processes are both robust and responsive to the needs of residents.

De Sousa added that this inclusive approach played a critical role in strengthening the credibility of the amended framework.

“The process was characterised by meaningful public participation, ensuring that the voices of residents and stakeholders were taken into account,” she said.

“This enhances both the legitimacy and transparency of the by-laws.”

Following council approval, the amended by-laws will now proceed through the required promulgation processes.

They are set to be published in the Gauteng Provincial Gazette, after which they will come into full legal effect within the jurisdiction of the metro.

To ensure accessibility, she said the metro will also publish the final version of the by-laws on its official website.

De Sousa said the adoption of the amended by-laws reflects the metro’s ongoing commitment to strengthening governance and accountability.

“The City of Tshwane remains committed to good governance, sound oversight and the continuous improvement of its legislative framework in the interest of all residents,” she said.

She also extended appreciation to committee members, municipal officials and the public for their contributions during the review process.

Chairperson of the Section 79 Standing Committee on Rules and Ethics, councillor Kenneth Masha, welcomed the adoption of the amended by-laws, describing it as a milestone in improving council effectiveness.

Masha confirmed that the adoption process complied with Section 12 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, which governs the establishment and amendment of municipal by-laws.

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