With the local government elections looming on 3 August when new councillors will be elected, the Highvelder looked at the role of councillors in the community.
Councillors are accountable to residents of their wards and their duty is to the whole community, including those who did not vote for them. They contribute to the good governance of the area and actively encourage citizens’ involvement in decision making.
They must always be fair and impartial and take interest in the whole local community, as well as serve as the communication link between council and the community.
This means that councillors do not act as individuals and do as they wish. Their actions must be visible to the public so that the public or party to which the councillor belongs is able to object when they feel their interests are not being adequately represented.
When your ward councillor is incompetent or is transgressing the code of conduct, you can report the matter to the Office of the Speaker.
Service delivery complaints can be reported to the Speaker or to the political party they are affiliated to.
