Knowledge (XXG)

South African administrative law

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797:, Mgoqi acted as the municipal manager of the City of Cape Town in terms of contract of employment between him and the city council. The former mayor of the city altered the contract and extended the period for which it ran. When a new mayor was elected, there was a meeting at which the extended contract was reviewed and revoked. The first application concerned the inconsistency of this with the Constitution and therefore its unlawfulness and invalidity. The second application, brought by the city of Cape Town, was for the review and setting aside of the first Mayor's decision to extend the contract of employment. 774:, the legality of a meeting at which a decision to investigate alleged irregularities of the applicants was called into question. It was held that, in line with the principle of legality embodied in the Constitution and built into PAJA, administrative action not authorised by an empowering provision is unlawful and invalid, and that a person prejudiced by it may have it reviewed and set aside. It was held that the meeting did not comply with the requirements of the standard rules and orders, and therefore that it was irregularly convened and was therefore invalid. 1351:
arm of government. What matters is not so much the functionary as the function. The question is whether the task itself is administrative or not. It may well be that some acts of a legislature may constitute "administrative action." Similarly, judicial officers may, from time to time, carry out administrative tasks. The focus of the enquiry as to whether conduct is "administrative action" is not on the arm of government to which the relevant actor belongs, but on the nature of the power he or she is exercising.
608:
composition and politics of South African society were and are different. Under apartheid, Parliament had the power to enact whatever it wished (however unreasonable and however unacceptable). The Parliament was not elected by universal franchise. The largest section of the population was excluded from representation on grounds of race. Laws affecting black people conferred extensive powers upon the administration. South Africa was isolated from the rest of the world, so its public law became insular.
1036:, with which certain agreements had been concluded. The respondents were opposed to the development, fearing that a filling station in the proposed location will be detrimental to the wetland surrounding it. In spite of this, the applicant was granted authorisation in terms of section 22 of the Environmental Conservation Act (ECA). A campaign was launched in opposition to this. The application was for an interdict to prohibit the respondents from continuing the campaign. 1615: 423:, nor in that of parliamentary sovereignty, nor in the common law itself, but rather in the principles of the Constitution. The common law informs the provisions of PAJA and the Constitution, and derives its force from the latter. The extent to which the common law remains relevant to administrative review will have to be developed on a case-by-case basis as the courts interpret and apply the provisions of PAJA and the Constitution. 1878: 406:, where Chaskalson P held that the control of public power by the courts through judicial review is a constitutional matter. The common-law principles that had been applied to control powers prior to 1994 have now been subsumed under the Constitution. As a source of administrative law, the Constitution establishes a variety of agencies and administrative structures to control the exercise of public power. 1689: 886:, that a decision must be capable of objective substantiation. In order to prove justifiability in relation to the reasons given for it, it must be objectively tested against the three requirements of suitability, necessity and proportionality. Gross unreasonableness is no longer a requirement for review. The constitutional test embodies the requirement for proportionality between the means and the end. 1240:
affected adversely, in order to meet the definitional standards of section 1 of PAJA. There is, furthermore, no distinction between administrative action as defined in PAJA and administrative action as defined in section 33 of the Constitution, so the procedural requirement cannot be avoided. If PAJA applies to a case, therefore, its provisions must be determinative of the merits of the case.
360:, it was held that administrative law forms the core of public law. It overlaps with constitutional law because both deal with organs of state and their relationship to individuals. Administrative law differs from constitutional law, however, in its emphasis on a particular branch of government (the public administration) and on a particular activity of the state (administrative action). In 635:. The President had enacted a set of regulations which, for example, excluded a detainee from having a fair trial. This implied that the President could exclude natural justice. The court held that this was a dire mistake, and that the President could not exclude procedural fairness. This decision clarifies the underlying principle which was incorrectly interpreted in the case of 1197:, the applicants were companies believed to be carrying on operations buying and selling shares on behalf of paying clients on various international stock exchanges without the necessary approval in terms of section 445 of the Stock Exchange Control Act. On the basis of this belief, the CEO authorised inspections of the applicants, which subsequently took place. 415:, O'Regan J held that there are not two systems of law regulating administrative action—the common law and the Constitution—but only one system grounded in the Constitution. The courts' power to review administrative action no longer flows directly from the common law, but rather from the constitutionally mandated PAJA and from the Constitution itself. The 753:
health practitioners, which could result in wide, unlimited and uncircumscribed arbitrary legislative powers. It was submitted that this was a breach of the principle of legality. The challenge raised the question of whether it is permissible for parliament to leave it to the Director-General to prescribe the conditions on which a licence may be issued.
475:, the court found that the imposition of the rates and levies and the payment of the subsidies did not constitute "administrative action" under section 24 of the Interim Constitution. By-laws cannot fall within the definition of administrative action in PAJA; therefore they are not subject to the principles of just administrative action. 788:
relied on case law to the effect that the absence of clear parameters in the letter of appointment renders the appointment overboard and inconsistent with the rule of law entrenched in section 1 of the Constitution. Because of the circumstances of the case, however, it was held that the applicants had no basis for reliance on section 1.
539:, the court found that common laws of procedural fairness and natural justice were applicable to a dispute between a mayor and a political party, even though the dispute itself did not fall under the scope of PAJA. In contrast, however, it was also held that PAJA must first be looked to as the source of law to resolve a dispute. In 1566: 356: 1350:
It is important to note that in section 33 the adjective "administrative," not "executive," is used to qualify "action." This suggests that the test for determining whether conduct constitutes "administrative action" is not whether or not the action concerned is performed by a member of the executive
1297:
Administrators operate under certain conditions and for the most part have very little freedom to choose how they would like to make decisions. They are controlled by empowering provisions, which govern decisions according to sets of rules. These rules may come in the form of conditions, expressed by
1050:
In the new constitutional order, the control of public power is always a constitutional matter. The court's power to review administrative action no longer flows directly from the common law but from PAJA and the Constitution itself. The common law informs the provisions of PAJA and the Constitution,
976:
Section 33 of the Constitution is of paramount importance. The operation of section 33 remained suspended until legislation was enacted in the form of PAJA, which rendered section 33 binding and enforceable. Section 33 brought about far-reaching changes to administrative law. Section 33 aims to cause
1046:
The structure of the applicants' argument was based on section 7 of PAJA, which limits access to the right to have administrative action reviewed until internal appeal or review procedures have been exhausted. One difference between the right to administrative action and the other rights in the Bill
756:
It was held that there is nothing preventing Parliament from delegating subordinate regulatory authority to other bodies; nor is there anything that prevents Parliament from conferring upon the Director-General the discretion to determine the conditions. The delegation must not be so broad or vague,
752:
concerned a challenge to the validity of a licensing scheme introduced by the government. The applicants sought an order declaring the invalidity of certain sections of the Medicines and Related Substances Act which authorised the Director-General of Health to issue licences to dispense medicines to
551:
The Constitution obliges the courts to consider international human rights. Administrators must recognise international documents which deal with international human rights whenever they are relevant to the administrator's functions, and must act in accordance with these international documents. The
465:
Section 151 of the Constitution states that the executive and legislative authority of a municipality is vested in its municipal council. The municipality has the right to govern, on its own initiative, the local government affairs of its community, subject to national and provincial legislation, as
401:
The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Any law or act which is inconsistent with it has no force or effect. The effect of this provision is that laws and administrative acts must comply with the Constitution. The Constitution is binding on the executive branch of government in every sphere
1022:
Section 1 of PAJA defines the scope of administrative action. It was held that the cause of action for the judicial review of administrative action now ordinarily arises from PAJA, not from the common law, as in the past, and that the authority of PAJA to ground such causes of action rests squarely
828:
An example of delegation may be found in section 7 of the Refugees Act, in terms of which the Minister of Home Affairs may delegate any power granted to or duty imposed on him by the Act to an officer in the Department of Home Affairs. To be lawful, a delegation of a power or a duty by the Minister
695:
Before 1994, South Africa had embraced the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty. Now, however, the Constitution dictates that all exercises of public power be rational, justifiable and reasonable. The Interim Constitution provided a bridge from an authoritarian past to a democratic future. Section
625:
As early as the late 1980s, there were a number of reform initiatives aimed at reforming the undesirable state of administrative law in South Africa. Most of the reforms were court-driven and therefore known as judge-made reforms. There were limitations, however, which were embedded in the judicial
607:
South African administrative law is similar to its English equivalent, especially in relation to judicial review of administrative action. For this reason, British cases are often cited and relied upon by South African courts. There are fundamental differences in substance, however. The conditions,
1312:
In some circumstances, there are guidelines about how an administrator should act. These can be found by looking at how such decisions have been made within their department, and how the courts have interpreted these words in the past. Sometimes the Preamble to the empowering Act may also say what
1042:
The applicants argued that sections 35 and 36 of the ECA operate as a limitation on the constitutional right to freedom of expression and that the limitation was justifiable in terms of section 36 of the Constitution. This argument was rejected. The court held that such limitation on the rights in
743:
Administrators must obey the law and must be authorised by the law for the decisions they make. This is the same as the principle of legality; it is the authority of an administrator to act. The administrator must obey the law, whether general or specific, and must act within his delegated powers.
456:
Section 125(2)(b) of the Constitution states that the Premier of a province exercises its executive authority, together with the other members of the Executive Council, by implementing all national legislation within the functional areas listed in Schedules 4 or 5 of the Constitution, except where
1239:
It was held that, while the CEO's decision would not amount to administrative action within the meaning of section 1 of PAJA, whether the actions of the inspectors would was a separate inquiry. As to the meaning of administrative action, it was noted that rights need only be affected, rather than
1156:
Most decisions that administrators take as part of their official functions are of an administrative nature. There is necessarily a public character to the phrase. The relationship is one of inequality or subordination. It excludes decisions made in the exercise of legislative and judicial power.
1147:
the applicant argued that the failure by the respondent to determine the question of whether the applicant was entitled to a permanent licence amounted to unlawful administrative action. It was held that inaction on the part of the respondent falls under the definition of administrative action in
811:
Even if the municipal system of delegation did allow the delegation of the power to the mayor, it was not properly done, as there was a requirement for the council to be in recess at the time that the former mayor purportedly exercised her recess powers. Furthermore, there was no consultation. In
666:
There were also sporadic initiatives taken by the government, but these were limited, because there was no incentive for those in power to change administrative law in any meaningful way. The South African Law Review, however, published reports in 1986 and 1992 which included draft legislation to
349:
Weichers defines administrative law as a body of legal rules governing the administration, organisation, powers and functions of administrative authorities. For Baxter, it is a set of common-law principles which promote the effective use of administrative power, protect against misuse, preserve a
1187:
When the matter reached the court, PAJA had not yet come into force, so it was necessary to rely on the common law. On the facts, the alleged decision was merely an opinion expressed by a representative of the Commissioner at the first stage of the process; it was therefore not an administrative
787:
that an authorisation of an inspection of the applicant's business by the registrar in terms of the Inspection of Financial Institutions Act was "overboard, undefined and unspecified," and therefore in contravention of the principle of the rule of law and the doctrine of legality. The applicants
760:
On the principle of legality, the court held that constitutional democracy is founded on the values of the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law; any law or conduct inconsistent with it is invalid. The exercise of public power must therefore comply with the Constitution, which is the
381:
Administrative officials derive their authority or jurisdiction from a legal instrument or rule, and may only do what a law authorises them to so. This is known as the principle of legality, which requires that administrative authorities not only refrain from breaking the law, but that all their
1064:
This law was passed to realise the vision of an open and accountable system of administrative law that is fair and just. It is designed to constrain government, and represents a decisive break from the past. The purpose of the Act is to give effect to the right to administrative action which is
1065:
lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair, and the right to written reasons for administrative action. The preamble of the Act promotes efficient administration and good governance, and emphasises the importance of a culture of accountability, openness and transparency in public administration.
346:, irrespective of whether those bodies are public authorities in a strict sense." According to the Constitutional Court, administrative law is "an incident of the separation of powers under which the courts regulate and control the exercise of public power by the other branches of government." 1098:
The Act resolves to control exercises of public power, even by private actors, with the requirements of lawfulness, procedural fairness and reasonableness. It is the nature of the functions performed, as opposed to the nature of the functionary, that is important. It has been argued that this
592:
The procedure for the review of administrative action under rule 53 of Uniform Rules of Court lacked clearly defined guidelines for how administrative action could be assessed. The principle of parliamentary sovereignty implied ministerial responsibility for administrative action. Ministerial
582:
Prior to 1994, South African administrative law was underdeveloped. The reason for this was that Parliament's surrender of more and more power to the executive. The law was not used to check or to structure these powers. Under this system, the courts could not question the validity of Acts of
995:
the decision of the Chief Director of Marine Coastal Management to allocate a maximum amount of hake that they were permitted to catch, being less than what they had asked for. The empowering provision was the Marine Living Resources Act. The respondents were both companies of historically
1298:
such terms as "age," "fit and proper," "exceptional circumstances," "reasonable," etc. These are often hard to define, so some of these concepts need to be given meaning. This is done by setting a standard against which people or circumstances can be measured. Such standards need to be
1289:
In the case of natural or juristic persons, a wider definition of "empowering provision" is employed to accommodate instances where natural or juristic persons exercise public power or perform public functions, such as the functions awarded to them in terms of outsourcing agreements.
1157:
These are decisions connected with the daily or ordinary business of government. The effect of the phrase "of an administrative nature" is that only decisions made in the course of exercising and performing powers and functions will qualify as administrative action subject to PAJA.
849:
The Interim Constitution, in section 24, provides that every person has the right to administrative action which is justifiable. The Constitution, in section 33, states that everyone has the right to administrative action which is lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair.
543:, the court held that the principles that have previously provided the grounds for judicial review of public power have been subsumed under the Constitution; in so far as they might continue to be relevant to judicial review, they gain their force from the Constitution. 839:
The power or duty delegated must be one provided for and conferred on the Minister in the Refugees Act. If any of these requirements are not met, the delegation will be unlawful. In addition, any action taken by the officer concerned who is not properly authorised is
525:
The reason for this is that the executive may not have inherent common-law powers which go beyond the ambit of the Constitution. The common law continues to influence administrative law until such a time as it is set aside on grounds of constitutional inconsistency.
490:, Chaskalson stated that the making of delegated legislation by a member off the executive is an essential part of public administration, in that it gives effect to legislative policies. Further, it provides the detailed infrastructure whereby this can take place. 1166:, the appellant challenged a decision of the Regional Land Claims Commissioner to accept the claim of the fifth respondent for certain land in terms of the Restitution of Land Rights Act. The steps to be followed in terms of section 11 of the Act are as follows: 825:, the applicants sought the review and the setting aside of a decision by the government (the decision not to engage in diplomatic relations with the government of Lesotho), in order to protect the applicant's property rights and interests in Lesotho. 1107:
A decision in this context includes a proposed decision and a failure to take a decision. An administrative decision must be taken without unreasonable delay, or within the time period that may be prescribed for the particular administrative action.
1093:
a natural or juristic person, other than an organ of state, when exercising a public power or performing a public function in terms of an empowering provision, which adversely affects the rights of any person, and which has a direct, external legal
1051:
and derives its force from the latter. The extent to which the common law remains relevant to administrative review will have to be developed on a case-by-case basis as the courts interpret and apply the provisions of PAJA and the Constitution.
529:
Some of the administrative-law principles which have their origin in the common law are now written down in the Constitution or in legislation. The common-law principle of reasonableness, for example, is contained in the Constitution and PAJA.
471: 1018:
The court held that there are not two systems of administrative law, one founded on the Constitution and one founded on the common law. There is now but one system of administrative law, founded in the Constitution and expressed in PAJA.
483:
Subordinate legislative bodies, such as the President, when promulgating proclamations, and ministers, when issuing regulations, do not have original legislative competence and must act within the confines of the enabling legislation. In
1293:
The powers contained in the empowering provision may be express; they may also include tacit powers, in which case rules can be applied to establish the content and ambit of the administrator's authority in the particular circumstance.
764:
In exercising the power to make regulations, the Minister has to comply with the Constitution and the empowering provision. If he exceeds the powers conferred by the empowering provisions, there is a breach of the doctrine of legality.
341:
which regulates the legal relations of public authorities, whether with private individuals and organisations or with other public authorities, or better say, in present-day South Africa, which regulates "the activities of bodies that
800:
In terms of the second application, the court dealt with the matter on the basis of the doctrine of legality. It was held that the first Mayor did not have the power to make his decision. This was argued on three grounds by the City:
373:. It empowers administrative officials so that they may implement policies or programs, and limits the exercise of power by requiring all administrative action meet the minimum requirements of lawfulness, reasonableness and fairness. 1265:
The empowering provision is an extremely important aspect of any administrative action. Any action not authorised by the empowering provision is not allowed. In fact, section 6 of PAJA says that a court may set aside decisions where
1010:
that the SCA incorrectly concluded that the Chief Director's decision should not be set aside on the ground that he failed to apply his mind to the quantum of hake applied for by the applicant and its ability to catch such quantum;
639:]], in which it was held that the State President, when enacting emergency regulations in terms of the Public Safety Act, could excuse the right to a hearing as well as the right of detainees to legal representatives. 353:
From this it may be seen that commentators agree that administrative law is concerned with attaining administrative efficiency, and with ensuring that this power is tightly controlled, so that no abuse may occur. In
1111:
In PAJA, a "decision" is defined as any decision of an administrative nature made, proposed to be made, or required to be made, as the case may be, under an empowering provision, including a decision relating to
917:
Section 33(1) of the Constitution provides for a right to administrative action that is procedurally fair. The question is this: How to determine the content of the right? There are three legal sources:
805:
The statutory framework does not allow the delegation of power to extend the municipal manager's contract to the mayor, and the former mayor's unilateral exercise of power could never have been lawful.
1214:
that the investigation was initiated at the behest of a foreign regulating authority, and the purpose of the authorisation, in seeking to ensure compliance with the laws of that country, was ulterior
516:
Common law as a source of authority was mainly limited to the prerogative powers. A prerogative is a discretionary power given to someone by virtue of the fact that he holds a particular office. In
1574: 977:
administrative decision-making to be open, transparent and rational, to provide a safeguard against capriciousness and autocratic tendencies, and promote administrative accountability and justice.
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however, that the authority to whom the power is delegated is unable to determine the nature and the scope of the powers conferred, as this would lead to arbitrary exercise of delegated powers.
508:
cannot be regarded as ordinary legislation," because it seeks to give effect to fundamental rights contained in the Bill of Rights. Willis described the Act further as "triumphal legislation."
1148:
section 1 of PAJA. A decision includes any decision of an administrative nature made under an empowering provision, including the decision relating to issuing or refusing to issue a licence.
1193: 761:
supreme law, and with the doctrine of legality, which is part of that law. The Constitution entrenches the principle of legality and provides the foundation for the control of public power.
145: 1047:
of Rights is that PAJA explicitly places that limitation on access to the protection of section 33. The mere fact that alternative procedures exist does not create this limitation.
589:, Lord De Villiers held that the courts had no right to enquire into or as to whether the legislature had acted wisely or unwisely for the benefit of the public or individuals. 996:
disadvantaged persons. They argued that the Chief Director had failed to consider adequately the need for transformation when allocating less to them than they had requested.
973:
Section 3(1) of PAJA provides that administrative action which materially and adversely affects the rights or legitimate expectations of any person must be procedurally fair.
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be furnished with reasons in writing for administrative action which affects any of his or her rights or interests, unless the reasons for such aon have been made public; and
1143: 1224:
because the Financial Services Board (FSB) is empowered to investigate only contraventions of laws supervised by the FSB, namely laws relating to financial institutions.
1208:
the powers conferred in section 3(1), because the applicant companies were not "financial institutions" or "associated institutions" within the meaning of section 3(1);
1638: 1162: 1321:
The Act specifically excludes some decisions of administrators, such as decisions made in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act. Examples include
663:, where it was held that it is the function of the court to determine what was and what was not relevant to the exercise of discretionary administrative power. 505: 1014:
that the SCA had erred in finding that the alleged "undisclosed policy change" by the Department did not infringe the applicant's right to procedural fairness.
1643: 321: 987: 1138:
A decision is the exercise of discretionary powers. It is a legislative function performed by an elected legislative body, not subordinate legislation.
366:, the Constitutional Court held that the administration is that part of government which is primarily concerned with the implementation of legislation. 1902: 1134:
doing or refusing to do any other act or thing of an administrative nature. A reference to a failure to take a decision must be construed accordingly.
1078:"Administrative action" is defined in the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA) as any decision taken, or any failure to take a decision, by 687:
These reforms cleared the way for a new phase of administrative law reform, rooted on the principles of democratic rule and constitutional supremacy.
448:
All these statutes may confer authority to take action and make decisions. For a statute to be valid, it must conform to constitutional requirements.
1581: 816:
The court held on all three grounds that the former mayor's decision to extend the contract of employment was fatally flawed, unlawful and invalid.
617:, regarding a refusal to allow a post-graduate into medical school, the court applied the legitimate-expectation doctrine in a contractual setting. 770: 1865: 648:, which extended the applicability of the right to be heard to cases which did not necessarily affect one's liberty, property or existing rights. 1039:
The respondents resisted the application for an interdict on the ground that it would violate the constitutional right to freedom of expression.
683:
those powers which have a general impact and are calculated to cause particular prejudice to an individual or a particular group of individuals.
350:
balance of fairness and maintain the public interest. Chaskalson describes it as the interface between the bureaucratic state and its subjects.
1907: 709:
administrative action which is justifiable in relation to the reasons given for it, where any of his or her rights is affected or threatened.
1678: 1032:, the applicant was the owner of immovable property on which it intended to construct and operate a filling station. It had the backing of 411: 779: 676:, the rigid classification of functions as either administrative or legislative was rejected; instead a distinction must be drawn between 812:
terms of empowering provisions, therefore, the former mayor failed to act in terms of the requirements laid out in the relevant sections.
808:
The city's own system of delegation, like the statutory framework, does not allow the delegation of power to appoint a municipal manager.
382:
content comply with the Constitution and particularly the Bill of Rights. The sources of administrative law are, in order of importance,
1834: 1824: 1743: 1559:
Minister of Health and Another NO v New Clicks South Africa (Pty) Ltd and Others (Treatment Action Campaign and Another as amici curiae)
1668: 1043:
the Bill of Rights was not justifiable in terms of section 36, as the factors must be considered on the criterion of proportionality.
1273:
the decision was taken by someone who was delegated to take the decision, but the empowering provision did not allow such delegation;
748: 1849: 1793: 1248:
The importance of this provision lies in the determination of lawfulness of the administrative action. An "empowering provision" is
239: 604:
The efficiency of ministerial responsibility was reduced by the imbalance of party representation in the South African Parliament.
1648: 1603: 314: 251: 672: 1733: 1728: 1658: 1557: 720:
that everyone whose rights have been adversely affected by administrative action has the right to be given written reasons; and
486: 229: 1778: 558:, the Constitutional Court held that both binding and non-binding international law may be used as a tool of interpretation. 522:, it was held that the common-law prerogative powers no longer exist in South African law as an independent source of power. 274: 703:
procedurally fair administrative action where any of his or her rights or legitimate expectations is affected or threatened;
631: 1768: 1718: 1673: 219: 642:
Another reform was the recognition of the doctrine of legitimate expectation – this came as a result of landmark case of
1912: 1882: 1844: 1829: 1748: 1633: 726:
provide for the review of administrative action by a court or, where appropriate, an independent and impartial tribunal;
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process. Judges have no control over cases which come before them, so it was difficult to effect a programmatic reform.
279: 659: 1839: 1773: 1753: 1723: 1703: 307: 269: 224: 193: 613: 1783: 1763: 1713: 1663: 1567:
Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of South Africa: In re Ex Parte President of the Republic of South Africa
535: 362: 357:
Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of South Africa: In re Ex Parte President of the Republic of South Africa
1819: 1788: 1708: 821: 784: 402:
of administration. The importance of the Constitution as a source of administrative law was best articulated in
1814: 1809: 1758: 1738: 857:
that what will constitute a reasonable decision will depend on the circumstances of each case. Factors include
793: 369:
In summary, then, administrative law regulates the activities of bodies that exercise public powers or perform
244: 928:
the interpretation provided by judicial decisions (under the Interim Constitution and the final Constitution).
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that the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) had misconstrued the nature of the objectives in section 2 of the Act;
1261:
an agreement, instrument or other document in terms of which an administrative action was purportedly taken.
940: 518: 1200:
The applicants sought the review and setting aside of the decision to authorise an inspection on the basis
1119:
giving, suspending, revoking or refusing to give a certificate, direction, approval, consent or permission;
1276:
a "mandatory and material procedure or condition" set out in the empowering provision was not followed; or
1028: 500: 155: 150: 59: 1194:
Platinum Asset Management v Financial Services Board; Anglo Rand Capital House v Financial Service Board
199: 182: 54: 1270:
the decision was taken by an administrator who was not authorised to do so by the empowering provision;
836:
The person to whom the power or duty is delegated must be an officer in the Department of Home Affairs.
644: 1099:
definition has shortfalls, in that, for example, it excludes the nine categories of public functions.
882: 717:
that everyone has the right to administrative action that is lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair;
370: 1596: 1421:
Arthur Chaskalson, 'The Past Ten Years: A Balance Sheet and Some Indicators for the Future' (1989) 5
49: 1619: 1365: 1325:
the exercise of powers by the Executive in the national, provincial and local spheres of government
934: 700:
lawful administrative action where any of his or her rights or interests is affected or threatened;
653: 651:
The courts also recognised unreasonableness as a ground of judicial review, which was expressed in
175: 105: 17: 1360: 585: 295: 160: 35: 905:
the adverse effect of the decision be proportionate to the objective sought to be achieved; and
1217:
that the inspectors responsible for carrying out the investigation were not independent; and
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issuing, suspending, revoking or refusing to issue a licence, authority or other instrument;
187: 79: 902:
the empowering provision and other relevant provisions be correctly understood and applied;
1589: 165: 136: 69: 1279:
the action was taken for a reason that was not authorised by the empowering provision; or
1088:
exercising a public power or performing a public function in terms of any legislation; or
1003:, the applicant relied on three ground in its application for special leave to appeal: 969:
that the other side be properly informed of the considerations which count against him.
554: 64: 1144:
Noupoort Christian Care Centre v Minister of National Department of Social Development
1896: 92: 74: 1614: 1282:
the action was not rationally connected to the purpose of the empowering provision.
723:
that national legislation must be enacted to give effect to these rights, and must
419:
of administrative law is now to be found in the first place not in the doctrine of
111: 1688: 1286:
An "enabling statute" is that legislation which allows the administration to act.
1116:
making, suspending, revoking or refusing to make an order, award or determination;
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24 of the Interim Constitution provided that every person shall have the right to
1085:
exercising a power in terms of the Constitution or a provincial constitution; or
170: 125: 472:
Fedsure Life Assurance v Greater Johannesburg Transitional Metropolitan Council
1163:
Gamevest v Regional Land Claims Commissioner, Northern Province and Mpumalanga
853:
The content of reasonableness remains unclear, but it was held in the case of
833:
The Minister (no one else) must take the decision to delegate a power or duty.
338: 119: 85: 908:
there not be a less restrictive means to achieve the purpose of the decision.
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ministerial responsibility is concerned with merits of administrative action.
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judicial review is concerned with the legality of administrative action; and
552:
courts are not confined to instruments that are binding on South Africa. In
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Under foreign law, section 39(1) of the Constitution provides that a court
899:
the decision makes logical sense in relation to the available information;
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statutory powers which equally affect the members of a community at large;
932:
The common law embodies certain principles of natural justice, including
893:
the information available to an administrator supports the decision made;
99: 988:
Minister of Environmental Affairs & Tourism v Phambili Fisheries
1033: 729:
impose a duty on the state to give effect to the rights above; and
1585: 1575:
Uthingo Management (Pty) Ltd v Minister of Trade and Industry
1228:
There are, then, two sets of actions, regarding respectively
947:
Requirements for the opportunity to be heard are as follows:
771:
Nala Local Municipality v Lejweleputswa District Municipality
593:
responsibility was complementary to judicial review, in that
457:
the Constitution or an Act of Parliament provides otherwise.
1334:
the actions of traditional leaders and a special tribunal;
981:
Interaction between common law, PAJA and the Constitution
991:, the respondent successfully challenged in the court 1232:
the decision of the CEO to authorise inspections; and
412:
Bato Star Fishing v Minister of Environmental Affairs
1211:
that the authorisation made was vague and overboard;
1131:
retaining, or refusing to deliver up, an article; or
780:
Platinum Asset Management v Financial Services Board
1858: 1802: 1696: 1626: 951:
that there be proper notice of the intended action;
344:exercise public powers or perform public functions 864:the identity and expertise of the decision-maker; 1183:The matter is referred to the Land Claims Court. 963:that there be evidence and/or cross-examination; 944:(or "no-one may be a judge in his own cause"). 749:Affordable Medicines Trust v Minister of Health 1055:Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA) 867:the range of factors relevant to the decision; 713:Section 33 of the final Constitution provides 1597: 315: 8: 1173:Once it is accepted, notice is given in the 1128:making a declaration, demand or requirement; 954:that there be reasonable and timely notice; 896:the decision be supported by sound reasons; 1604: 1590: 1582: 673:SA Roads Board v Johannesburg City Council 322: 308: 31: 1180:The Commissioner investigates the matter. 1866:Marine Living Resources Act, 18 of 1998 1443:This entails comparative jurisprudence. 1376: 629:A significant step was the decision in 287: 259: 209: 134: 41: 34: 1317:"Not specifically excluded by the Act" 889:In short reasonableness requires that 873:the nature of competing interests; and 632:Attorney General, Eastern Cape v Bloom 1423:South African Journal on Human Rights 1331:the judicial functions of the courts; 925:the provisions of the common law; and 565:consider foreign law. Courts are not 7: 1346:a decision in terms of section 4(1). 1125:imposing a condition or restriction; 880:It was held further, in the case of 732:promote an efficient administration. 966:that there be a public hearing; and 960:that there be legal representation; 870:the reasons given for the decision; 1545:Administrative Law in South Africa 1188:decision that could be set aside. 957:that there be personal appearance; 466:provided for in the Constitution. 25: 18:Administrative law in South Africa 1340:appointment of judicial officers; 660:JSE v Witwatersrand Nigel Limited 1903:South African administrative law 1877: 1876: 1687: 1613: 637:Omar v Minister of Law and Order 335:South African administrative law 1170:The applicant lodges the claim. 938:(or "hear the other side") and 487:Minister of Health v New Clicks 1570:2000 (2) SA 674 (CC), para 44. 614:Lunt v University of Cape Town 1: 1908:Administrative law by country 1152:"Of an administrative nature" 783:, the argument was raised by 547:International and foreign law 541:Pharmaceutical Manufacturers 536:Marais v Democratic Alliance 461:Local-government legislation 404:Pharmaceutical Manufacturers 363:President of the RSA v SARFU 1313:the purpose of the Act is. 1235:the inspections themselves. 1220:that the investigation was 876:the impact of the decision. 861:the nature of the decision; 822:Van Zyl v Government of RSA 27:Law over public authorities 1929: 1328:the making of legislation; 1874: 1820:Chapter nine institutions 1685: 1343:decisions under PAIA; and 794:Mgoqi v City of Cape Town 785:Platinum Asset Management 569:to consider foreign law. 1479:2005 (10) BCLR 1034 (T), 1337:a decision to prosecute; 1204:that the inspection was 1082:an organ of state, when 829:has three requirements: 667:codify judicial review. 212:common law jurisdictions 1074:"Administrative action" 922:the provisions of PAJA; 519:President of RSA v Hugo 479:Subordinate legislation 438:provincial legislation; 262:civil law jurisdictions 200:Patent unreasonableness 146:Fettering of discretion 1488:2003 (1) SA 373 (SCA). 1244:"Empowering provision" 941:nemo iudexin sua causa 452:Provincial legislation 156:Nondelegation doctrine 151:Legitimate expectation 60:Exhaustion of remedies 1562:2006 (2) SA 311 (CC). 1412:2000 (2) SA 674 (CC). 1255:a rule of common law; 1023:on the Constitution. 431:Legislation includes 260:Administrative law in 210:Administrative law in 55:Delegated legislation 1679:Legal interpretation 1060:Purpose and preamble 1029:Petro Props v Barlow 504:, Willis held that " 501:Sasol Oil v Metcalfe 50:Administrative court 1913:Law of South Africa 1835:Internet censorship 1825:Freedom of religion 1620:Law of South Africa 1366:Law of South Africa 935:audi alteram partem 913:Procedural fairness 435:Acts of Parliament; 176:Fundamental justice 1669:Criminal procedure 1654:Administrative law 1649:Constitutional law 1538:Administrative Law 1398:Administrative Law 1385:Administrative Law 1361:Administrative law 1175:Government Gazette 657:and reaffirmed in 296:Constitutional law 161:Procedural justice 42:General principles 36:Administrative law 1890: 1889: 1850:Same-sex marriage 1578:2 All SA 649 (T). 1258:customary law; or 1001:Bato Star Fishing 855:Bato Star Fishing 645:Transvaal v Traub 444:regulations, etc. 386:the Constitution; 337:is the branch of 332: 331: 16:(Redirected from 1920: 1880: 1879: 1691: 1618: 1617: 1606: 1599: 1592: 1583: 1520: 1513: 1507: 1504: 1498: 1495: 1489: 1486: 1480: 1477: 1471: 1468: 1462: 1459: 1453: 1450: 1444: 1441: 1435: 1434:2000 (2) SA 674. 1432: 1426: 1419: 1413: 1407: 1401: 1394: 1388: 1381: 883:Rowan v Williams 389:legislation; and 371:public functions 324: 317: 310: 188:Unreasonableness 80:Prerogative writ 32: 21: 1928: 1927: 1923: 1922: 1921: 1919: 1918: 1917: 1893: 1892: 1891: 1886: 1870: 1854: 1798: 1692: 1683: 1659:Civil procedure 1622: 1612: 1610: 1554: 1533: 1528: 1523: 1514: 1510: 1506:2006 (4) SA 73. 1505: 1501: 1497:Act 22 of 1994. 1496: 1492: 1487: 1483: 1478: 1474: 1470:Act 73 of 1989. 1469: 1465: 1461:Act 18 of 1998. 1460: 1456: 1452:Act 80 of 1998. 1451: 1447: 1442: 1438: 1433: 1429: 1420: 1416: 1408: 1404: 1395: 1391: 1382: 1378: 1374: 1357: 1319: 1246: 1154: 1105: 1076: 1071: 1062: 1057: 983: 915: 847: 741: 693: 623: 583:Parliament. In 580: 575: 549: 514: 496: 481: 463: 454: 429: 399: 392:the common law. 379: 328: 261: 211: 183:Proportionality 166:Natural justice 137:judicial review 70:Ministerial act 28: 23: 22: 15: 12: 11: 5: 1926: 1924: 1916: 1915: 1910: 1905: 1895: 1894: 1888: 1887: 1875: 1872: 1871: 1869: 1868: 1862: 1860: 1856: 1855: 1853: 1852: 1847: 1842: 1837: 1832: 1827: 1822: 1817: 1812: 1806: 1804: 1800: 1799: 1797: 1796: 1791: 1786: 1781: 1776: 1771: 1766: 1761: 1756: 1751: 1746: 1741: 1736: 1731: 1726: 1721: 1716: 1711: 1706: 1700: 1698: 1694: 1693: 1686: 1684: 1682: 1681: 1676: 1671: 1666: 1661: 1656: 1651: 1646: 1641: 1639:Bill of Rights 1636: 1630: 1628: 1624: 1623: 1611: 1609: 1608: 1601: 1594: 1586: 1580: 1579: 1571: 1563: 1553: 1550: 1549: 1548: 1541: 1532: 1529: 1527: 1524: 1522: 1521: 1508: 1499: 1490: 1481: 1472: 1463: 1454: 1445: 1436: 1427: 1414: 1402: 1389: 1375: 1373: 1370: 1369: 1368: 1363: 1356: 1353: 1348: 1347: 1344: 1341: 1338: 1335: 1332: 1329: 1326: 1318: 1315: 1310: 1309: 1306: 1303: 1284: 1283: 1280: 1277: 1274: 1271: 1263: 1262: 1259: 1256: 1253: 1245: 1242: 1237: 1236: 1233: 1226: 1225: 1218: 1215: 1212: 1209: 1185: 1184: 1181: 1178: 1171: 1153: 1150: 1136: 1135: 1132: 1129: 1126: 1123: 1120: 1117: 1104: 1101: 1096: 1095: 1091: 1090: 1089: 1086: 1075: 1072: 1070: 1067: 1061: 1058: 1056: 1053: 1016: 1015: 1012: 1008: 982: 979: 971: 970: 967: 964: 961: 958: 955: 952: 930: 929: 926: 923: 914: 911: 910: 909: 906: 903: 900: 897: 894: 878: 877: 874: 871: 868: 865: 862: 846: 845:Reasonableness 843: 842: 841: 837: 834: 814: 813: 809: 806: 740: 737: 736: 735: 734: 733: 730: 727: 721: 718: 711: 710: 707: 704: 701: 692: 689: 685: 684: 681: 622: 619: 602: 601: 598: 579: 576: 574: 571: 555:S v Makwanyane 548: 545: 513: 510: 495: 492: 480: 477: 462: 459: 453: 450: 446: 445: 442: 439: 436: 428: 425: 398: 395: 394: 393: 390: 387: 378: 375: 330: 329: 327: 326: 319: 312: 304: 301: 300: 299: 298: 290: 289: 288:Related topics 285: 284: 283: 282: 277: 272: 264: 263: 257: 256: 255: 254: 249: 248: 247: 240:United Kingdom 237: 232: 227: 222: 214: 213: 207: 206: 205: 204: 203: 202: 197: 185: 180: 179: 178: 173: 168: 158: 153: 148: 140: 139: 132: 131: 130: 129: 122: 117: 116: 115: 108: 103: 96: 89: 77: 72: 67: 65:Justiciability 62: 57: 52: 44: 43: 39: 38: 26: 24: 14: 13: 10: 9: 6: 4: 3: 2: 1925: 1914: 1911: 1909: 1906: 1904: 1901: 1900: 1898: 1885: 1884: 1873: 1867: 1864: 1863: 1861: 1859:Specific laws 1857: 1851: 1848: 1846: 1843: 1841: 1838: 1836: 1833: 1831: 1828: 1826: 1823: 1821: 1818: 1816: 1813: 1811: 1808: 1807: 1805: 1801: 1795: 1792: 1790: 1787: 1785: 1782: 1780: 1777: 1775: 1772: 1770: 1767: 1765: 1762: 1760: 1757: 1755: 1752: 1750: 1747: 1745: 1742: 1740: 1737: 1735: 1732: 1730: 1729:Environmental 1727: 1725: 1722: 1720: 1717: 1715: 1712: 1710: 1707: 1705: 1702: 1701: 1699: 1695: 1690: 1680: 1677: 1675: 1674:Customary law 1672: 1670: 1667: 1665: 1662: 1660: 1657: 1655: 1652: 1650: 1647: 1645: 1642: 1640: 1637: 1635: 1632: 1631: 1629: 1625: 1621: 1616: 1607: 1602: 1600: 1595: 1593: 1588: 1587: 1584: 1577: 1576: 1572: 1569: 1568: 1564: 1561: 1560: 1556: 1555: 1551: 1546: 1542: 1539: 1535: 1534: 1530: 1525: 1518: 1512: 1509: 1503: 1500: 1494: 1491: 1485: 1482: 1476: 1473: 1467: 1464: 1458: 1455: 1449: 1446: 1440: 1437: 1431: 1428: 1424: 1418: 1415: 1411: 1406: 1403: 1399: 1393: 1390: 1386: 1380: 1377: 1371: 1367: 1364: 1362: 1359: 1358: 1354: 1352: 1345: 1342: 1339: 1336: 1333: 1330: 1327: 1324: 1323: 1322: 1316: 1314: 1307: 1304: 1301: 1300: 1299: 1295: 1291: 1287: 1281: 1278: 1275: 1272: 1269: 1268: 1267: 1260: 1257: 1254: 1251: 1250: 1249: 1243: 1241: 1234: 1231: 1230: 1229: 1223: 1219: 1216: 1213: 1210: 1207: 1203: 1202: 1201: 1198: 1196: 1195: 1189: 1182: 1179: 1177:of this fact. 1176: 1172: 1169: 1168: 1167: 1165: 1164: 1158: 1151: 1149: 1146: 1145: 1139: 1133: 1130: 1127: 1124: 1121: 1118: 1115: 1114: 1113: 1109: 1102: 1100: 1092: 1087: 1084: 1083: 1081: 1080: 1079: 1073: 1068: 1066: 1059: 1054: 1052: 1048: 1044: 1040: 1037: 1035: 1031: 1030: 1024: 1020: 1013: 1009: 1006: 1005: 1004: 1002: 997: 994: 990: 989: 980: 978: 974: 968: 965: 962: 959: 956: 953: 950: 949: 948: 945: 943: 942: 937: 936: 927: 924: 921: 920: 919: 912: 907: 904: 901: 898: 895: 892: 891: 890: 887: 885: 884: 875: 872: 869: 866: 863: 860: 859: 858: 856: 851: 844: 838: 835: 832: 831: 830: 826: 824: 823: 817: 810: 807: 804: 803: 802: 798: 796: 795: 789: 786: 782: 781: 775: 773: 772: 766: 762: 758: 754: 751: 750: 745: 738: 731: 728: 725: 724: 722: 719: 716: 715: 714: 708: 705: 702: 699: 698: 697: 690: 688: 682: 679: 678: 677: 675: 674: 668: 664: 662: 661: 656: 655: 654:Jacobs v Waks 649: 647: 646: 640: 638: 634: 633: 627: 620: 618: 616: 615: 609: 605: 599: 596: 595: 594: 590: 588: 587: 577: 572: 570: 568: 564: 559: 557: 556: 546: 544: 542: 538: 537: 531: 527: 523: 521: 520: 511: 509: 507: 503: 502: 493: 491: 489: 488: 478: 476: 474: 473: 467: 460: 458: 451: 449: 443: 440: 437: 434: 433: 432: 426: 424: 422: 418: 414: 413: 407: 405: 396: 391: 388: 385: 384: 383: 376: 374: 372: 367: 365: 364: 359: 358: 351: 347: 345: 340: 336: 325: 320: 318: 313: 311: 306: 305: 303: 302: 297: 294: 293: 292: 291: 286: 281: 278: 276: 273: 271: 268: 267: 266: 265: 258: 253: 252:United States 250: 246: 243: 242: 241: 238: 236: 233: 231: 228: 226: 223: 221: 218: 217: 216: 215: 208: 201: 198: 196: 195: 191: 190: 189: 186: 184: 181: 177: 174: 172: 169: 167: 164: 163: 162: 159: 157: 154: 152: 149: 147: 144: 143: 142: 141: 138: 133: 128: 127: 123: 121: 118: 114: 113: 109: 107: 104: 102: 101: 97: 95: 94: 93:Habeas corpus 90: 88: 87: 83: 82: 81: 78: 76: 75:Ouster clause 73: 71: 68: 66: 63: 61: 58: 56: 53: 51: 48: 47: 46: 45: 40: 37: 33: 30: 19: 1881: 1845:Prostitution 1830:Human rights 1697:Areas of law 1664:Criminal law 1653: 1634:Constitution 1573: 1565: 1558: 1547:2 ed (2012). 1544: 1537: 1516: 1511: 1502: 1493: 1484: 1475: 1466: 1457: 1448: 1439: 1430: 1422: 1417: 1409: 1405: 1397: 1392: 1384: 1379: 1349: 1320: 1311: 1296: 1292: 1288: 1285: 1264: 1247: 1238: 1227: 1221: 1205: 1199: 1192: 1190: 1186: 1174: 1161: 1159: 1155: 1142: 1140: 1137: 1110: 1106: 1097: 1077: 1063: 1049: 1045: 1041: 1038: 1027: 1025: 1021: 1017: 1000: 998: 992: 986: 984: 975: 972: 946: 939: 933: 931: 916: 888: 881: 879: 854: 852: 848: 827: 820: 818: 815: 799: 792: 790: 778: 776: 769: 767: 763: 759: 755: 747: 746: 742: 712: 694: 686: 671: 669: 665: 658: 652: 650: 643: 641: 636: 630: 628: 624: 612: 610: 606: 603: 591: 584: 581: 566: 562: 560: 553: 550: 540: 534: 532: 528: 524: 517: 515: 499: 497: 485: 482: 470: 468: 464: 455: 447: 441:by-laws; and 430: 420: 416: 410: 408: 403: 400: 397:Constitution 380: 368: 361: 355: 352: 348: 343: 334: 333: 235:South Africa 234: 192: 135:Grounds for 124: 112:Quo warranto 110: 98: 91: 84: 29: 1840:LGBT rights 1769:Nationality 1308:reasonable. 1222:ultra vires 1206:ultra vires 1069:Definitions 586:R v Mchlery 427:Legislation 421:ultra vires 171:Due process 126:Ultra vires 106:Prohibition 1897:Categories 1794:Succession 1749:Insolvency 1543:C Hoexter 1526:References 1103:"Decision" 739:Lawfulness 512:Common law 339:public law 194:Wednesbury 120:Rulemaking 86:Certiorari 1754:Insurance 1719:Copyright 1536:L Baxter 1305:fair; and 1302:relevant; 840:unlawful. 691:Post-1994 567:compelled 417:grundnorm 230:Singapore 220:Australia 1883:Category 1815:Cannabis 1810:Abortion 1784:Property 1744:Firearms 1734:Evidence 1714:Contract 1644:Statutes 1396:Hoexter 1355:See also 578:Pre-1994 275:Mongolia 245:Scotland 100:Mandamus 1779:Persons 1774:Patents 1709:Company 1540:(1984). 1383:Baxter 1094:effect. 573:History 377:Sources 280:Ukraine 1803:Issues 1759:Labour 1739:Family 1724:Delict 1704:Agency 1252:a law; 621:Reform 225:Canada 1764:Lease 1552:Cases 1531:Books 1519:case. 1517:SARFU 1372:Notes 1034:Sasol 993:a quo 270:China 1789:Sale 1627:Main 1515:See 1425:293. 506:PAJA 494:PAJA 1191:In 1160:In 1141:In 1026:In 1011:and 999:In 985:In 819:In 791:In 777:In 768:In 670:In 611:In 563:may 533:In 498:In 469:In 409:In 1899:: 1400:2. 1387:2. 1605:e 1598:t 1591:v 1410:] 323:e 316:t 309:v 20:)

Index

Administrative law in South Africa
Administrative law
Administrative court
Delegated legislation
Exhaustion of remedies
Justiciability
Ministerial act
Ouster clause
Prerogative writ
Certiorari
Habeas corpus
Mandamus
Prohibition
Quo warranto
Rulemaking
Ultra vires
judicial review
Fettering of discretion
Legitimate expectation
Nondelegation doctrine
Procedural justice
Natural justice
Due process
Fundamental justice
Proportionality
Unreasonableness
Wednesbury
Patent unreasonableness
Australia
Canada

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