4. Scope and nature of the intervention Section 100 (1) in Chapter 5 of the Constitution of Republic South Africa provides that: When a province cannot or does not fulfil an executive obligation in terms of the Constitution or legislation, the national executive may intervene by taking any appropriate steps to ensure fulfilment of that obligation, including- (a) issuing a directive to the provincial executive, describing the extent of the failure to fulfil its obligations and stating any steps required to meet its obligations; and (b) assuming responsibility for the relevant obligation in that province to the extent necessary to- (i) maintain essential national standards or meet established minimum standards for the rendering of a service; (iv) prevent that province from taking unreasonable action that is prejudicial to the interests of another province or to the country as a whole.