Local ward committee elections have so far been without incident, with both ward 6 and ward 22 finalised last Wednesday, February 9, and ward 30 finalised on Tuesday, February 15.

All 3 meetings were well attended, attracting more than 20 people each – a notable increase from the last election cycle.

The ward 6 election, held at the Nokukhanya Luthuli Building in Ballito, was attended by KwaDukuza speaker Dolly Govender, who emphasised the important role of ward committee members.

“This is a crucial element of the public participation process. Ward committee members are valuable resources for both the community and the councillors, and must be treated as such,” she said.

Apart from electing 10 committee members, attendees resolved to also elect 2 additional members who would expedite the process of filling a position if one of the committee members could no longer continue.

Gender, race and age representation was raised as an important factor during the election process, and the eventual committee meets that brief.

The permanent ward 6 committee joining councillor Tammy Colley consists of John Wallis, Nathan Ogle, Flip Helberg (Docrra), Frederik van Huyssteen, Hendrik Fourie, Lindani Mthembu, Mantombi Mkhize, Sindiswa Mhlaba, Kheti Mhlaba and Thobile Gumede. Phumele Gumede and Fiona Bowden were elected as the 2 additional members.

Similarly, at the ward 22 election held at the Salt Rock library, a committee of 9 was chosen.

The committee joining councillor Privi Makhan consists of Nomvelo Msimango, Hans Broerse, Don Forbes, Deon Viljoen (Docrra), Zandile Khoza, Penny Fourie, Karen Holmes, Mbali Sikakane and Josha Daniel (Rise Up Movement).

Speaking at the Ward 22 election, mayor Lindi Nhaca also emphasised the importance of ward committees and outlined what was expected of members.

“Being on a ward committee means being the eyes and ears of the municipality and the community. It is not about the stipend, but rather about working for the community,” said Nhaca.

Permanent ward committee members receive a monthly stipend of R1 360.

Finally, 10 committee members were picked at the ward 30 election at Townsend Hall.

Joining councillor Jack Abrahams are Chris Schuster, Ann Walters, Warren Clark, Sue Denis, Karin Russel, Ayabonga Zwane, Mphe Nene, Vuyo Meji, Thamsanga Mkhize and Gaby Lyle (Docrra).

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