Nominations to become a member of your ward’s committee will open on 1 November. But, what exactly is this?
According to the City of Johannesburg’s speaker, Vasco da Gama, the main function of a ward committee includes various duties, including:
- Advising and making recommendations to ward councillors on matters and policies affecting the ward;
- Assisting the ward councillor to increase the participation of local residents in municipal decision-making, as they are a direct and unique link with the council;
- Primarily representatives from the local ward community and not from a political party;
- Members should be involved in matters such as the Integrated Development Plan process, municipal performance management, the annual budget, key activities and programmes;
- Supporting the ward councillor in dispute resolutions and providing information about municipal operations;
- Monitoring the performance of the municipality and raising issues of concern to the local ward;
- Helping with community awareness campaigns such as, waste, water and sewage, payment of fees and charges.
Ward committee meetings will be held once a month to discuss community issues and receive feedback from the ward councillor on critical issues and decisions reached at the City’s council.
