Endumeni ward committee members were recently inducted into their roles by CoGTA representative Siyabonga Cele.
Cele explained that the municipality has the power to decide to have ward committees and if it does so, it has to establish ward committees for all the wards in its jurisdiction.
Committees can have up to 10 members (and a ward councillor) who represent a variety of interest groups. Ward committee members may also be elected on a geographical basis.
Ward committees are a link between the municipality and the community, says Cele.
“As ward committee members, you play a vital role in the link between ward councillors, the community and the municipality.
“You influence municipal planning in a manner which best addresses the needs.”
He further explained that, “Ms Nsibande is the custodian of the ward committee member structure and even though it is voluntary work, as ward committee members, you are directly involved in ward operational plans – which stipulates that there must be monthly meeting plans for the entire year.
“This structure must also meet when the following matters are discussed by the council: the Integrated Development Plan (IPD), the annual budget, the annual report, policies and by-laws, and the performance management system.”
Cele also explained to the committee about the performance management system. “This is when the municipality tells when a certain project will start and when it will finish. The community needs to know the different phases of community projects so that, should the project not finish in time, you as ward committee members can go back to the community and explain why this is so.”
In closing, Cele highlighted that ward committee members make representations and can hold ward councillors accountable for the fulfilment of their duties.
They also engage the community through regular meetings and other forms of interaction.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at dundee.courier@caxton.co.za. Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394
