Politicking at municipal level bad for service delivery

This was sparked by members of a community forum in her ward voicing its loss of confidence in the councillor, and calling for her to step down.

Her political masters at the DA hit back, describing Ravid as one of the best councillors in the municipality, with a very strong record of service.

What followed was political mudslinging involving supporters of the DA and Ravid, as well as their ANC counterparts.

Ravid and other opposition politicians are at a serious disadvantage: they don’t have the resources or the power to make things happen. All they do is serve as middlemen between communities and local authorities.

Their visions for their areas are not necessarily in line with those of municipal rulers, who would naturally be perceived to pay more attention to areas controlled by their political parties.

But a deeper look into the matter suggests Ravid and other opposition councillors are simply paying the price for a somewhat flawed political system.

If there is no solution to these political squabbles, a change to the electoral system would not be a bad idea.

If voters elected a political party to lead the city and its own people in charge of each ward, all councillors would share the same vision as decision makers.

Political differences, particularly at local level – the most important form of government – are bad for democracy and general service delivery.

A few weeks ago, Auditor-General Terrence Nombembe indicated municipalities were in desperate need of good leaders.

Conflicts such as that of Ravid that involve councillors, their constituents and municipal leadership, won’t help to develop outstanding leadership.

There is no reason to believe that the motive behind the call for Ravid’s head is anything but political.