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The central challenge in intergovernmental relations is to ensure that the machinery of government works better in a more integrated way and more efficiently to deliver services to communities and people.

The Constitution gives full recognition to local government as a sphere of government. The Premier and Mayors carry the executive responsibility for Provincial - Local relations.

The discussion at the meeting between the Premier and certain organisations from Stellenbosch during August was a clear transgression of all principles of sound intergovernmental relations. Not only did the Premier encroach on the geographical, functional and institutional integrity of the Stellenbosch Municipality by ignoring the mayor and municipality in this local discussion, but also she committed that the legislatures standing committee will as a matter of urgency investigate the matters raised by the Stellenbosch organisations. This is a clear interference in the oversight role of parliament and blurring the separation between the executive and the legislature.

By further encouraging the organisations to continue with their legal actions against the Stellenbosch Municipality the Premier did not adhere to the prescripts of principle - based ethics. If the ethics of co-operative governance is violated, the Constitution is violated.

The ANC calls on the Premier to apologise to the mayor, council and officials of the Stellenbosch Municipality. The ANC further calls on the Premier to respect the separation of powers in a democracy, and show respect for the law and the system of government and other organs of state.