The nominations for the ward committee member elections taking place in February have residents up in arms.
George Taylor, one of the residents of Ward 84 has voiced concerns about some of the nominated candidates. “I, as well as some other candidates, are very concerned that there will be nepotism in the newly elected council as the wife and daughter of Ward 84 councillor Gert Niemand have also indicated they will be available for election as ward committee members. We feel that this will cause a conflict of interests when the councillor needs to serve the residents and their important issues. Some of the residents, as well as ward committee members who will be available for re-election, were flabbergasted as to how the councillor could allow this to happen,” Taylor said.
He pointed out an incident during December last year, involving moving residents of Marie Louise to the Roodepoort Rugby Club informal settlement. “This was done – a week before Christmas – without consulting the residents and is an incident that shows where conflict of interests might come into play,” Taylor said.
Gert Niemand was contacted for comment on this matter and he pointed out some of the facts surrounding the elections and nominations of ward committee members.
– A ward committee is an advisory body and not an alternative centre of power. It does not have any legal persona.
– The composition of ward committees in the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) is in line with the Municipal Structures Act.
– Nominees must be registered voters of the ward, motivated to work for a better life for all residents, may not be a municipal employee in the area of their ward, not have a municipal account that is in arrears or a criminal record, and be of sound mind.
– Elections of the members will be conducted by the Office of the Speaker and its staff, and run by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). The ward councillor does not have any input into the process at all.
Niemand said, “If all of the above are taken into consideration it should be clear that any resident of Ward 84, who meets the required criteria, can apply to become a ward committee member. This includes the individuals you are referring to.”
Niemand also pointed out that the residents in the ward will have the final say about who will represent them on the committee, as 23 candidates have applied. “I wish all of them the best of luck and am looking forward to working with the committee elected by the community,” he said.
He concluded by saying, “The Roodepoort Rugby Club informal settlement is a very sensitive issue to all involved. I will set up a public meeting together with councillor Caleb Finn. All residents will be invited and issues pertaining to this matter will be discussed. As soon as all relevant parties have confirmed their attendance, a time and date will be communicated to all.”
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