Tempers flared at a tense public meeting last week as locals rejected proposed ward boundary changes that they believe could derail vital community projects.

The meeting, hosted by the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) at the KwaDukuza Town Hall as part of its public participation process, presented the draft proposals for KwaDukuza’s 30 wards.

At the heart of the backlash was a proposal to incorporate part of a ward from the neighbouring Ndwedwe municipality into KwaDukuza. While the intention is to balance ward populations ahead of the local government elections, residents questioned the logic and timing of the move.

A major concern raised was why the proposed ward was not added as a completely new ward rather than being merged with existing ones. Locals warned this restructuring could severely disrupt service delivery and ongoing community development.

Deputy mayor Njabulo Cele said the municipality had written to Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi requesting the allocation of two additional wards, rather than inheriting and merging one from Ndwedwe.

“We have not received a response, which is disappointing,” said Cele.

Residents also criticised the criteria used to determine ward sizes, particularly the use of voter registration data from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

“You cannot assume the number of registered voters reflects the total population. Stats SA data should be used to supplement this,” said Mcedisi from Velani township.

The proposed changes include dividing several facilities and voter populations. For instance, Shakaskraal Secondary (North Coast Agricultural College) would see 100 voters moved to Ward 8, while over 2 600 remain in Ward 28.

Compensation Trading Store and Sizani Combined Primary School will also be split between multiple wards.

Ward 6 will now cover two voting stations, including Ballito Library and part of Sizani Combined. While Ward 21 will receive two additional voting stations to accommodate 300 voters from Tinley Manor Primary and 370 from Etete School.

Deon Viljoen, chairperson of the Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (Docrra), confirmed the organisation would submit a formal response by the June 30 deadline.

“The process feels rushed and like a box-ticking exercise. We will keep applying pressure. The lack of support for voting stations and dysfunctional ward committees are ongoing concerns,” he said.

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