Premier (South Africa)

Similar to the President and national cabinet, the Premier appoints Members of the Executive Council (MECs) to oversee various provincial departments.

[1] The concept of Premiers in South Africa is directly linked to the establishment of the country's current nine-province system in 1994.

A key aspect of this change was the creation of nine provinces, incorporating the former "homelands" (Bantustans) into a unified South Africa.

South Africa's three-tier system of government – national, provincial, and local – necessitates a complex web of relationships to ensure smooth operation.

This means all spheres of government – national, provincial, and local – have a legal obligation to work together for the collective good of the country.

They convene Premier's Inter-governmental Forums (PIFs), bringing together local government representatives (mayors) and provincial-level officials (MECs).

Premiers maintain regular communication with the President and national ministers (through bodies like the Ministerial and Member of the Executive Council Meetings – MINMECs).