Chapter 3: Co-operative Government CHAPTER 3 co-opeRAtiVe GoVeRnment Government of the Republic 40. � (1) In the Republic, government is constituted as national, provincial and local spheres of government which are distinctive, interdependent and interrelated. (2) � All spheres of government must observe and adhere to the principles in this Chapter and must conduct their activities within the parameters that the Chapter provides. Principles of co-operative government and intergovernmental relations 41. (1) � All spheres of government and all organs of state within each sphere must— (a) � preserve the peace, national unity and the indivisibility of the Republic; (b) � secure the well-being of the people of the Republic; (c) � provide effective, transparent, accountable and coherent government for the Republic as a whole; (d) � be loyal to the Constitution, the Republic and its people; (e) � respect the constitutional status, institutions, powers and functions of government in the other spheres; (f) � not assume any power or function except those conferred on them in terms of the Constitution; (g) � exercise their powers and perform their functions in a manner that does not encroach on the geographical, functional or institutional integrity of government in another sphere; and (h) � co-operate with one another in mutual trust and good faith by— (i) � fostering friendly relations; (ii) � assisting and supporting one another; (iii) � informing one another of, and consulting one another on, matters of common interest; (iv) � co-ordinating their actions and legislation with one another; (v) � adhering to agreed procedures; and (vi) � avoiding legal proceedings against one another. (2) An Act of Parliament must— 21