Local governments day to day running, is governed by the Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 and the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003 . Yet, the constitution of South Africa is the supreme law of our country. Therefore I believe, the ultimate reference when discussing governance at a local level, should be the constitution. Without getting technical, Objectives of Local Government are comprehensively summed up in Chapter 7: 152: a-e, of the constitution as below:
Chapter 7: 152: a-e: The objects of local government are:-
a. to provide democratic and accountable government for local communities;
b. to ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner;
c. to promote social and economic development;
d. to promote a safe and healthy environment and
e. to encourage the involvement of communities and community organisations in the matters of local government.
a. To provide democratic and accountable government for local communities
Therefore as the democratically elected councillor, you should serve your community regardless of your or their party political affiliation. Sadly, party politics in this country interferes with service delivery, dividing us instead of promoting a common vision that will benefit the community as a whole.Party politics should not affect the day to day running of local communities and the elected politician should meet with his community on a monthly basis to communicate what the problems and plans for the community are. As well as to interact with the community as to the issues and challenges they are experiencing.
Politicians, as well as officials, need to be accountable to the community. Being available and accountable to the community when challenges occur or services delivery issues cannot be attended to timeously, for whatever reasons. Communication is therefore paramount in keeping communities updated.
b. To ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner;
Roodepoort municipality which now falls under Region C should ensure the following: ·
that street lights work, ·
sewerage does not spill into the street,
broken water pipes are repaired quickly and properly,
service accounts are correct and paid on time,
roads are properly maintained,
· cutting of grass in parks and verges are regularly serviced,
· clinics are accessible and can provide the necessary medication
· humane accommodation is provided for the poorest of the poor
· municipal by laws are enforced
· provision for waste disposal are adequate and efficient
c. To promote social and economic development
I believe this is one of the most important functions of local government. Firstly to promote a healthy society, both mentally and physically, Roodepoort needs adequate theatres, sporting facilities, community halls and training centres. These facilities need to be accessible and affordable as well properly monitored programmes implemented.
All social amenities place a heavy fiscal burden on a local authority. This financial burden cannot rest purely with the residents of Roodepoort. Therefore a dedicated Region C Economic Development Department must market Roodepoort to create a tax base that is broader, promoting tourism, new industrial and commercial developments as well as market Roodepoort as a destination to live, work and play.
d. To promote a safe and healthy environment
A safe environment cannot be promoted unless you have a dedicated, uncorruptible municipal police force. Permanently enforcing local by-laws and misdemeanours, addressing the so called ‘broken window syndrome’. Pro-active policing promoting healthy environment and law abiding citizens, leaving SAPS to address more serious crimes. All aspects of pollution should be regularly policed and the laws enforced. Open spaces should promote a healthy commercial aspect. This could derive income to assist in protecting and safeguarding the area, such as providing camera’s and private security. This will increase user potential automatically allowing people to feel safer.
e. To encourage the involvement of communities and community organisations in the matters of local government.
Local government needs to be transparent and inclusive when taking decisions that affect communities. Promoting a more bottom up approach, rather than dictating to communities. City budgets need to be more specific, identifying exactly how much is going to be spent and where. Not just give it as a general amount for an entity, with no specifics. Community inputs need to be taken seriously and viable suggestions implemented. Reasons must be given for non implementable inputs.
If the objectives of the constitution are applied rigidly, Roodepoort will be governed effectively. Sadly too many officials do not understand that it is a privilege to serve and make a difference to a large community, not like other jobs where you only have to satisfy an individual boss or bosses. Work ethic is non-existent in certain officials. There is a lack of expertise and training in most departments. Budgets are not optimised. Contracts are grossly inflated and contractors are not properly monitored. Inferior workmanship is tolerated, resulting in scandalous over expenditure on projects and repairs. Therefore, considering the current situation and the unbelievable potential of Roodepoort, Local Government has most definitely not performed optimally…. with the majority of residents using words as strong as pathetic, dismal and inefficient.
The views in this statement is not necessarily that of the Roodepoort Record. What is your opinion? What do you want to ask your councillor? Leave your comments on the section provided below.
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Also read: How does the ANC view governance in Roodepoort
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