History and Background -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality was established in 2000 in terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act108 of 1996). Section 152 of the Constitution spells out the objects of a municipality or local government as: - To provide democratic and accountable government for local communities; - To ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner; - To promote social and economic development; - To promote a safe and healthy environment; and - To encourage the involvement of communities and community organizations in the matters of local government. Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality is situated on the North-eastern part of South Africa in the Limpopo Province. It is one of the four local municipalities in the Mopani District. The Municipality has a geographical area of 3 004.88 km2 that constitutes 27% of the Mopani District. The Municipality serves as a convenient gateway to the Kruger National Park and the Transfrontier Park through the Mozambique Channel.