Ward committee elections are upon us: what role do they play?

The election of municipal ward committees is upon us, but do residents know exactly what committee members are meant to do?

This past weekend, some committees across the KwaDukuza Municipality’s (KDM) 30 wards have already been constituted.

Wards 2, 15, 23 and 26 have elected their committees, while Ballito’s Ward 6 and Salt Rock’s Ward 22 elections are taking place on Wednesday evening, February 9.

Their purpose is to ensure accountability and transparency in local government.

As per the Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, ward committees have to be constituted within 120 days of local government elections.

In each ward, regardless of size or population numbers, 10 committee members have to be elected to help ward councillors fulfil their obligations to residents.

“Ward committees play a very important role. Elected members should be representative of all residents in a said ward and be in constant communication with the councillor,” said Ward 22 councillor, Privi Makhan.

Of the 10 members, 2 are allowed to be representatives of community stakeholders such as local non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

As an example, the Ballito Neighbourhood Watch could nominate 1 representative to serve on a committee.

The application process for stakeholders closed in June last year, while residents are permitted to put themselves forward on the day of ward committee elections.

Eight positions are reserved for non-affiliated residents who are elected by a simple majority.

Residents who apply must reside in and be registered on the ward’s voter’s roll, with no outstanding debt obligations to the municipality.

Broadly speaking, the ward committee should be split into different subsections, such as finance, community development, housing, environment, transportation, health, safety, infrastructure and services.

Ideally, those elected would have experience in the specific portfolios they serve on to ensure the best possible outcomes.

“Once elected, ward committee members should function as extra eyes and ears for councillors, bringing issues to their attention. The committee meets once a month and submit a monthly report to their councillor,” said Makhan.

Each committee member receives a R1 360 stipend from the municipality to cover fuel, telephone and other work expenses.

The local ward election times are as follows:

Ward 6 (Ballito) – February 9, 6pm at the Nokukhanya Luthuli Building.

Ward 22 (Salt Rock) – February 9, 6pm at the Salt Rock Library.

Ward 30 (Ballito and Compensation) – February 15, 6pm at Townsend Hall.

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