HIGHVELD – A Govan Mbeki Ratepayers Association (GMRPA) has now been formed in March and founding members are urging residents to join the association.
A constitution and the structures to allow members to join were finalised in April and the association went live on 6 May.
According to founding members of the GMRPA, the constitution of South Africa recognises and calls on the members of the community to be active participants in the running of the municipality.
“All around the country, we are seeing communities form bodies, like the GMRPA, to organise themselves to play an active role.
“GMRPA is intended to provide a structure and a platform for ratepayers to formally engage with the issues of the running of the municipality,” said a founding member of the association.
GMRPA is said to advance the interest of ratepayers and residents.
People older than 18 years who own or lease property in GMM and are eligible to vote in municipal elections in GMM, and who is not a councillor, political party representative or government employee can join the association.
There is an annual membership fee of R100.
“Money raised will be transparently accounted for. Money will be used in the administration of GMRPA and in pursuit of the goals that are identified by the committee nominated and elected by the members,” said the founding member.
According to the founding member, many residents believe the association can work.
“The evidence of several associations being formed throughout the country indicates that civil society has realised the need to organise itself.
“We are in communication with associations in other towns, learning lessons from them on what has worked to improve their municipalities. Our goal is to improve the municipality in which we live and work.”
The Rates Payers Association covers all towns within Govan Mbeki Municipality.
Because of the association being newly formed a call for nominations and elections will take place in the coming weeks to elect a leadership committee.
Registered and paid-up members will be invited to nominate and vote for a leadership committee to represent them.
GMRPA was formed by a small group of residents.
This team does not immediately have all the answers or even a mandate to represent residents.
By joining GMRPA you can take up your constitutional right to actively influence how the municipality you live in functions.
To join the GMRPA go to www.gmrpa.co.za to become a member.
