Ward 22 prepares for by-election

One of KwaDukuza’s largest wards is heading for a by-election, following the resignation of their ward councillor.

Ann McDonnell was the first councillor of ward 22 (Tinley Manor, Shakaskraal, Salt Rock and Nkobongo) when it was formed just before the 2011 local government elections.

At the beginning of June she will officially take up her new position as a member of the KwaZulu-Natal provincial legislature, leaving the ward 22 committee to look after residents until a new councillor is elected on July 2.

The Courier sat down with committee member Di Jones to gain insight into how the committee will work in the councillor’s absence.

“As with all ward committee members we report directly to the office of speaker Thulani Khuluse. Each of us has an area we look after, including health and welfare, business, sports and culture, gender, education, community safety, electricity and infrastructure and IDP.”

Committee members attend monthly meetings in their portfolios with their counterparts from other wards.

“Although we come from different political parties we know there is a common goal and work together as a team. At our meetings we give reports from our different areas and our councillor would take these to council meetings.”

The ward committee is still awaiting a councillor’s candidate list from the Democratic Alliance, following which residents will cast their votes in a by-election.

Residents will register to vote in the by-election from May 31 to June 1 at five polling stations – Salt Rock Library, Shakaskraal Secondary, Sizani Combined School, Compensation Trading Store and the Tinley Manor Baptist Church.

Those residents who registered at the Ballito Library prior to the formation of ward 22 must re-register before the by-election.

In the meanwhile proof of residence forms are available at the Salt Rock and Ballito Libraries.

DA KZN’s Elma Rabe said the party is still in the process of finalising its candidate list.