Question NW1214 to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

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22 April 2022 - NW1214

Profile picture: Groenewald, Mr IM

Groenewald, Mr IM to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

(1)Whether, in light of the fact that in terms of section 73 of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, Act 117 of 1998, municipalities must establish ward committees within 120 days after a local government election, any municipalities failed to comply with the specified provision; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) which municipalities failed to comply and (b) what are the reasons for their non-compliance; (2) whether the specified municipalities that failed to comply, rectified it after the 120 day-provision to date; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether she will make a statement on the matter?

Reply:

1. (a) In terms of Section 73 (1A) (a) of the Local Government Municipal Structures Amendment Act, if a metropolitan or local council is unable to establish a ward committee or ward committees in accordance with subsection (1), the speaker must, prior to the expiry of the 120 days after the elections, in writing and on good cause shown, request the MEC, responsible for local government in the province concerned, for an extension. Municipalities that could not meet the deadline have been guided to request extensions from their respective MECs to ensure compliance. The following municipalities did not meet the deadline:

PROVINCE

DISTRICT

MUNICIPALITY

NUMBER OF WARDS

EASTERN CAPE

Nelson Mandela Bay

60

 

Chris Hani

Sakhisizwe LM

9

 

Alfred Nzo

Umzimbuvu LM

27

   

Sundays River Valley LM

8

 

Sara Baartman

Kou - Kamma LM

6

   

Kouga LM

15

   

Ndlambe LM

10

   

Makana LM

14

   

Dr Beyer's Naude LM

14

   

Blue Crane LM

6

 

FREE STATE

Mangaung Metro

51

 

Lejweleputswa

Tokologo LM

7

 

Thabo Mofutsanyana

Mantsopa LM

9

   

Maluti A Phofung LM

35

   

Setsoto LM

17

 

Xhariep

Kopanong LM

9

   

Mohokare LM

7

 

GAUTENG

City of Johannesburg

135

 

City of Tshwane

107

 

West Rand District

Merafong LM

28

 

KWAZULU-NATAL

Umzinyathi

Umvoti LM

14

 

MPUMALANGA

Gert Sibande

Lekwa LM

15

 

NORTHERN CAPE

Frances Baard

Dikgatlong LM

8

   

Phokwane LM

10

 

ZF Mgcawu

Kai Garib LM

10

   

Tsantsabane LM

7

 

Pixley ka Seme

Thembelihle LM

6

   

Kareeberg LM

6

   

Renosterberg LM

5

   

Siyathemba LM

6

 

NORTH WEST

Dr Kenneth Kaunda

Maquassi Hills LM

11

 

Bojanala

Moretele LM

26

   

Moses Kotane LM

34

 

WESTERN CAPE

Cape Winelands

Witzenberg LM

12

 

Eden

Oudtshoorn LM

13

TOTAL

13

35

743

(b) The reasons for non-compliance or not being able to meet the 120 days deadlines by certain municipalities were due to the late constitution of some municipal councils, especially in hung municipalities, non-adopted public participation and ward committee establishment policies, disputes lodged by communities as well as human resource changes experienced in the Offices of the Speaker.

(2) Yes, some municipalities failed to comply requested extensions and were granted such by their respective MECs. These municipalities are proceeding with the establishment of ward committees.

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