More questions than answers on ward 64 commitee

An open letter to ward 64 councillor, Billie Prinsloo, regarding the ward committee, has questioned of whether or not the committee is effective and playing its part in the community.

In the letter, a resident questioned if the members were paid R1,000 whether or not they submit reports for their various portfolios. The writer also questioned members’ attendance to the set monthly meetings.

Billie Prinsloo confirmed that attendance by members to the meetings was erratic and the system flawed.

Ward committees are an initiative taken up by eThekwini Municipality as a way of aiding ward councillors to identify issues which need to be addressed in their communities. Members of the committee are meant to represent the community’s different civic associations as well as to reflect the community demographically and geographically.

In a report on the ward committee elections in August 2012, Prinsloo wrote that the election process laid out by the municipality had not been adhered to. In her report she stated that registered stakeholder information was set aside and nominations from the floor were taken, which resulted in member representivity not being achieved as per the set guidelines. Rules were not given to her about the establishment of the committees and she was not given enough time to inform residents about the elections.

An inauguration ceremony as well as training was to be provided to ward committee members. Both events were not attended by all committee members.

Prinsloo received grievance letters about the committee. A resident, who wrote on behalf of the Kwanyakanyaka community said: “We are not happy with the ward committee that was elected. It does not represent the demographic of the ward. People who were elected are not known to the community since they are not bona-fide home owners and ratepayers.”

A letter from the councillor was forwarded to the Speaker, Cllr Logie Nadioo in September 2012, where Prinsloo raised the residents’ dissatisfaction with elected ward committee members and asked for a re-election to be considered. Petition forms were signed and also sent to the Speaker.

In further correspondence with the Speaker, Prinsloo once again raised the issue of the election process not being followed. She mentioned the erratic attendance of members to ward committee meetings, with some not attending at all and some not attending civic association meetings. In the letter, she also requested advice on how to deal with such matters.

“The ward system committee in ward 64 is failing through non-attendance,” said Prinsloo.

Ward committee secretary, Chris Mhlongo said, “The councillor and the PR councillor both attend the meetings. I cannot say that all ward committee members attend all the meetings but a majority of them do. Issues are raised and addressed.”

Ward members are paid R1,000 a month for serving on the committee. A report from the deputy city manager’s governance department stated, “There shall be no remuneration for ward committee members except for the out of pocket expenses in respect of their participation in ward committees as contemplated in Government Notice number 973 of 9 October 2009.”

Mhlongo assured the Sun he would follow-up on the issue concerning ward committee members receiving a R1,000 allowance even if they do not hand in reports.

The sent a query through to the Speaker about the issues raised in letters from the ward councillor. Response at the time of press was unavailable.

Additional information

* Ward committee members are to compile a report on the issues faced in the community in relation to their portfolios.

* Portfolios include: transport, roads and storm water; job creation; housing; sports, recreation, arts and culture; cleansing and solid waste, safety and security; health; youth gender and vulnerable groups; electricity, water and sanitation; food, land reform.

* At the monthly ward committee meetings, issues are reported and handled.

* Members are also required to attend civic association meetings, such as ratepayers and sector policing forums.

* Ward councillor, Billie Prinsloo may be contacted on 031-462-3038 or 082-923-0842.

* The next ward committee is on Thursday, 27 March. Members of the public are invited to attend.