ELM Speaker announces ward committee by-elections

VANDERBIJLPARK. – Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) Speaker Sibongile Soxuza held a media briefing on Thursday.
Representatives from various media houses gathered in her office to hear the crucial announcement regarding upcoming ward committee byelections in the region.
Soxuza outlined the details of the by-elections stating that several wards will participate in the elections, scheduled to begin on September 16 and conclude on October 1.
Registrations for those who wish to place their names for the positions will be opened from August 2 until August 30.
Forms for the registrations will be distributed in different facilities such as Mafatsane and the Speaker’s office at the municipality headquarters in Vanderbijlpark.
According to Soxuza the decision marks an important step in ensuring community representation and active participation in local government.
During her address Soxuza listed the wards involved in the by-elections, emphasising the municipality’s commitment to democratic processes and community involvement.
Fourteen wards are scheduled for the elections and will be keenly watched as residents prepare to vote for their preferred candidates.
“ELM through the coordinator office of the speaker noted several vacant portfolios as a result of one or more factors, which may include permanent employment and relocation. To this end, the purpose of this launch is to inform residents
of Emfuleni about these vacant positions and the elective process. The office of the speaker will facilitate these byelections,” she explained.
Soxuza listed the number of wards that will be involved in the by-elections.
“Different wards including one,two, four, five, eight, 10, 15, 21, 22, 31, 39, 41, 42 and 45 will be opened for by-elections. We have outsourced services of the IEC for free and fair elections for these elections.”
Explaining the need for the vacant portfolios to be filled, Soxuza said: “The establishment of a ward committee is regulated in terms of the municipal act of 1998. In terms of the act, ward committees are responsible for strengthening the concept of inclusive systems of government and enhancing participatory democracy in local government, hence they can’t be left vacant.”