Probus Bedfordview discusses role of local government
Ward 20 Clr Jill Humphreys, supported by DA chief whip Lucky Dinake, gave Probus members an insightful overview of local government, explaining how council works, the challenges of service delivery, and the crucial role of residents in shaping their community.
At Probus Bedfordview’s September meeting, Ward 20 Clr Jill Humphreys, supported by Lucky Dinake (the DA’s chief whip in Ekurhuleni), offered members insight into local government operations and challenges.
They described government as a framework that regulates and protects life within its borders, providing essential services while allowing citizens to make choices in their daily lives.
They emphasised that local government’s role is to deliver the necessities that enable communities to function productively and happily.
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As a ward councillor, Humphreys explained that she is the liaison between the community and council. Ekurhuleni comprises 224 councillors.
Decisions affecting the city pass through the mayoral committee before reaching council, a process she described as being slow and politically influenced. She cited the ongoing struggle to secure a tenant for Gillooly’s Farm as an example of how local projects can be delayed because of bureaucratic and political obstacles.
Other pressing local issues highlighted during the presentation included:
• Infrastructure and staff challenges – parks departments often lack proper equipment, machinery, staff, and protective clothing, affecting service delivery.
Humphreys noted that reliance on temporary contractors instead of permanent staff contributes to inefficiency.
• Water supply constraints – upper central Bedfordview faces erratic water supply due to the ageing Signal Hill reservoir and complex coordination with Rand Water.
Humphreys expressed concern over the inadequate planning for increased demand in the area.
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• Property valuations and billing – residents are being rated on inflated property values, with delays in resolving disputes through the Municipal Property Rates Act, affecting fairness and trust in the system.
• Digital systems – payment platforms like Siyakhokha sometimes fail, causing frustration for residents attempting to settle municipal accounts.
The two visitors also explained the structure of governance across national, provincial, and local levels, highlighting the three branches – legislature, executive, and judiciary at each level.
They emphasised that governance is complex and often imperfect, with multiple layers and personnel between citizens and service delivery points.
They stressed that while the government provides the baseline services, citizens also play a vital role in problem-solving within their communities.
Probus’s next meeting will be on October 7, with guest speaker Laurence Newman.
