So-called “Section 79 and 80 Committees” are municipal committees that are established in terms of ss 79 and 80 of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act 117 of 2008.

These committees are established in municipalities to enable councils to delegate specific functions and to strengthen the work of council. For instance, committees may be established to: increase local capacity, enhance public participation and solidarity in communities; specifically design and see to the implementation of redistributive measures or measures aimed at environmental sustainability such as policies and plans; monitor and ensure compliance with human rights and other international duties and objectives; and investigate and make suggestions on how to address the underlying causes of socio-economic inequality in local communities, deterioration of the local environment and civil disobedience (community protests), amongst others.

The powers of a Section 79 committee are determined by the municipal council. However, the executive can alter or amend reports of such a committee before the submission of such reports to council. A Section 80 committee is different in that it is established primarily to assist the executive mayor and/or an executive committee. Section 80 committees are therefore not municipal council committees. They report and are accountable to the executive. In effect, this means that municipalities with non-executive councils would not involve Section 80 committees.