Previous ward committees were ‘rigged’

New rules for the election of ward committees are expected to make them more effective.

KwaDukuza council has passed new regulations for the committees, one being that committee members must be registered on the ward’s voters’ roll.

Ward councillors elected in the August 3 local government elections are required to form committees consisting of 10 members, whose main responsibility is to provide feedback from the community to council.

In previous years, ward committees in Ballito and Salt Rock were hamstrung by the fact that they were loaded with members who did not live in the ward and whose purpose was to pursue party interests.

Ward 22 DA Councillor Malcolm Hubner said the previous ward committees were “rigged”.

“Bus loads of ANC members were brought in to the elections of ward committees. Members were nominated by a show of hands, which resulted in people from areas like Shakaskraal and Ngobongo being elected as committee members in Sheffield and Ballito,” said Hubner.

According to the new policy, a formal ballot process will have to be followed. Members salaries will also be increased from R1 000 to R1 200.

Newly elected Ward 6 (Ballito) Councillor Tammy Colley said she was hoping for a well functioning committee.

“Ten per cent of the committee can be made up of groups or bodies in the given ward. So far, the Dolphin Coast conservancy and the Ballito Neighborhood Watch have applied,” said Colley.

The ward committee election meetings will be held on October 6 for Ballito, October 10 for Zimbali and November 22 for Salt Rock/Sheffield. Details will be advertised beforehand.

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