Skilled and competent officials: An imperative for effective and efficient public procurement management
- Authors: Hlwempu, Steven Siphosenkosi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Skills development -- South Afica -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46945 , vital:39738
- Description: The study sought to examine the skills needed by public officials for effective and efficient public procurement management. Supply Chain Management (SCM) is one of the key mechanisms enabling the government to implement policies and strategies, and to realise set objectives. However, there is a series of reported cases of incompetence by South African public sector practitioners when it comes to implementing duties they are designated to do, which have raised many concerns and led to the failure of SCM policies in the public sector. The Eastern Cape provincial government has been seen to be affected by poor procurement, and public procurement officials in the province face challenges such as redundant spending and misinterpretation of contracts and needs. These problems in the Eastern Cape provincial government have been especially highlighted in the Auditor General of South Africa’s reports. The study adopted a qualitative approach, and desktop research was used in a bid to ascertain the competence and skills required by public sector SCM practitioners in the Eastern Cape. Results showed that the logistics and supply chain sector have skills shortages, both in terms of soft and hard skills.Numerous studies have been done around the world to determine the types of skills that are required for successful supply chains. These results showed that there are skill categories that can be valuable in properly determining management effectively and efficiently in any institution. The study, therefore, recommended that the government provide funds for public sector employees to take professional education in the area of SCM. The government can also send its employees to education institutions that offer supply chain course.
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- Date Issued: 2020
Factors contributing to national and provincial government debt accumulation in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Dilika, Zanele Victress
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Debts, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6095 , vital:21038
- Description: The research took the form of a qualitative interpretative case study focusing on the study sample of 9 municipal officials responsible for monitoring the payment of government debt as the consumer type. Data was collected through face to face interviews by means of completing the questionnaire based on the responses from the respondent. The study examined the underlying and related causes of non-payment of government debt. The study revealed that municipalities in the Eastern Cape lack support from the other spheres of government in ensuring timeous payments of outstanding debt. Growth in debtors indicated the failure by the municipalities to implement proper debt management processes and the lack of political will to collect debts. The study recommended that municipalities need to waive interest on disputed debt and the debt in that regard be reported on the suspense account to avoid over estimation or debt that might not be recovered in the long run.
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- Date Issued: 2014
Leadership and accountability of ward councillors in South African municipalities: a case study of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Mfene, Primrose Nompendulo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:8244 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010954 , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The aim of the study is to critically examine the leadership and accountability of ward councillors in South African municipalities: A case of Buffalo City Municipality. The theory of communicative action by Jürgen Habermas was used to interpret the manner in which ward councillors are expected to interact with the members of the community when performing their leadership and accountability roles. The study adopted a case study design that assisted in establishing what is required from ward councillors with regard to their leadership and accountability roles in local governance. Qualitative and quantitative data collection instruments were used to collect data. The focus group interviews with ward committee members (n=100) from twenty-five (25) wards identified themes that relate to leadership and accountability constructs. The identified themes were verified in the quantitative phase in which questionnaires were administered to fifty (50) ward councillors. The qualitative data was analysed thematically using NVivo and quantitative data was analysed using MS Excel. Generally, the views of the ward councillors regarding their leadership and accountability were positive. However, their leadership and accountability were largely dependent on their individualised communication skills and emotional intelligence. Hence the study established that unless ward councillors are equipped with skills and knowledge in communication and emotional intelligence respectively, their leadership and accountability roles will not be able to contribute effectively to local governance. Subsequently, the study made a set of recommendations in this regard.
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- Date Issued: 2014
An investigation of a local government turnaround strategy : the case of Nkonkobe Local Municipality
- Authors: Hanabe, Lulamile Donacious
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Corporate turnarounds -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Business planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8331 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020568
- Description: The primary purpose of the study was to investigate the extent to which the Nkonkobe Local Municipality is able to meet its obligations in terms of the LGTAS - specifically as a rural municipality. Further to investigate what impact, if any, the Report on the State of Local Government in South Africa has had on the municipality. The study moved from the premise that municipalities are different, and that a rural municipality’s response to service delivery and the LGTAS, should be understood in the context of additional challenges, because of its remote locality. The study therefore is based on the assumption that the Nkonkobe Local Municipality has not been able to fully meet the objectives, as they are contained in the LGTAS that was approved by Cabinet in December 2009. The study proposed to give a background of the origin of municipalities and evolution and transformation of Developmental Local Government in South Africa. The in-depth literature review was undertaken on Developmental Local Government to achieve the objective of the study. Local Government Turnaround Strategy analysis with reference to Nkonkobe Local Municipality is also presented to test the proposed hypotheses. The empirical survey and research methodology used in the study is described and explained in-depths and followed by data collection in a form of a questionnaire. The research findings of the empirical survey are then analysed and reported in statistical form. In the final chapter; recommendations are presented based on the empirical survey findings through the respondent’s inputs in the questionnaire. Recommendations are also presented on how Nkonkobe Local Municipality can improve its business to achieve the objectives of LGTAS.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Enhancing the accountability of ward councillors through public participation in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Ngeni, Siphiwo Christopher
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City -- Citizen participation , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal officials and employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8292 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d10186906
- Description: In terms of section 152(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 local government should provide a democratic and accountable service to local communities. Therefore, elected representatives and municipal officials must be accountable for their actions. This study investigates the influence of public participation in enhancing the accountability of ward councillors in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM). For the purpose of the study, the hypothesis was formulated that accountability of ward councillors is hampered by improper public participation mechanisms in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM). In order to achieve the goal of this study and to test the hypothesis, it was essential to review literature on the accountability of ward councillors and public participation in local government. Primary data was obtained by interviewing ward committees and ward councillors from Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Interviews were conducted with ward councillors and ward committees in wards 13 and 14 of BCMM. The major findings of the study, inter alia, are that ward councillors give feedback to their constituencies. Ward committees are instrumental in encouraging members of the public to attending these meetings. The most popular forum for public participation is the Independent Development Planning (IDP). It was established that approachability, accessibility and visibility of both ward councillors and ward committees in the community enhance public participation. The study concludes with recommendations that will assist the BCMM to enhance the accountability of ward councillors through public participation.
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- Date Issued: 2013
The role of traditional leadership in service delivery in the Ngqushwa Municipality
- Authors: Noyila, Mxolisi Amos
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Tribal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8340 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020635
- Description: The study examines challenges that exist in local government in relation to cooperation or working together between traditional leaders and elected councillors. This challenge can be seen mainly in municipalities that include rural areas. The country constantly faces protests by people expressing dissatisfaction with service delivery. This is a cause of concern and raises several questions. Councillors and traditional leaders point fingers at each other. More often than not, councillors as elected leaders exclude traditional leaders in matters of governance. Traditional leaders on the other hand see councillors as people encroaching into their territory. South Africa is characterised by rural areas that operate under Kings and Chiefs who are natural leaders and enjoy authority over the people, their subjects. Historically, traditional leadership was exercised in rural areas. Tribal authorities used to play a role in defining the lives of the people. Their role was very clear. They presided over the majority of cases in their jurisdiction. With changing times, especially during the apartheid era, communities started to mistrust the traditional leaders. There was a stigma attached to traditional leaders; they were seen as puppets of the government. They were used to perpetuate the apartheid government laws and this created a wedge between them and the community at large. When the new dispensation was ushered in, in 1994, hatred and non-acceptance was at a high level. The election and introduction of councillors to some extent undermined the legitimacy of the rule of traditional leaders. They were not recognised, Councillors do not create space for traditional leaders; there is no consultation and therefore no cooperation between councillors and traditional leaders. Some members of traditional leadership became uncomfortable with this situation and started to forge relations with the African National Congress in exile. In 1987, they formed the Congress of Traditional Leaders (CONTRALESA).
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- Date Issued: 2013
Effective and efficient performance management in local government, with reference to the Cacadu District Municipality
- Authors: Asmah-Andoh, Kwame
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Performance standards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8161 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1633 , Performance -- Management , Performance standards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa
- Description: This study examined the existing levels of effectiveness and efficiency in local government with the application of performance management systems in the provision of municipal services. The provision of district-wide water services in Cacadu District Municipality in the Province of the Eastern Cape, South Africa is used for particular reference. Local government reforms after 1994 led to the creation of the district municipality (which groups together a number of local municipalities) to drive district-wide services provision, the introduction of systematic services provision standards and performance management as part of management reforms in municipalities. The problem for the research deals with how the Cacadu District Council and the councils of the local municipalities within the district are collaborating in using performance management systems, what effects this could have on programmes and services provision and how communication of performance information would improve service provision. Conceptual and practical difficulties encountered in effective and efficient utilisation and some obstacles that contribute to impeding progress in the use of performance management systems in municipalities were analysed. The qualitative research included a review of documents from the public administration and management literature; discourse analysis of interviews with municipal councilors and appointed officials, community members and provincial managers. The document review included a review of municipal documents that incorporated performance management or described development and use of performance management systems. It also included the legal frameworks and statutory requirements for municipal government and administration. All the responding municipal councils within the Cacadu District Municipality reported using performance management over the past five years yet little empirical evidence explains usage for district-wide programmes and services provision. Research shows that a comprehensive performance management approach to programmes and services has a more effective and efficient impact on service improvement than utilisation of personnnel appraisal (Ammons and Rivenbark, 2005). Despite the expected benefits, personnel performance appraisal is often flawed and the need exists in the district municipal model to develop and utilise performance management systems that validly assess the work performance of personnel (Hindo, 2010). Performance management system utilisation in decision making management is more related to the long-term benefits of effectiveness and efficiency than personnel appraisal for performance rewards and reporting. To overcome and address a situation of managing performance without a performance management system the study proposes a programme performance measurement and management system which incorporates information on management inputs, programme-specific data and citizens' feedback for outcomes and impact of the service. The suggested design for district-wide and specific municipal services provision elicit and provide relevant and appropriate performance information for management, decision-making and accountability to community. The effectiveness of the proposed system is to provide information for decision-making, long-term planning, strategic management and accountability reporting. The proposal is built on the exisiting method and thus efficient in the utilisation of resources. This has implications both for the theory of Public Administration and Management and the practical application of performamce management in public institutions. The study explicity provides a Public Administration perspective on management in a multi-municipal district context with different authorities. The study contributes to the theory of administrative policy and management context of the municipality with special attention to functions for which different authorities are responsible and the role of a performance system for better insught into managing overlapping authority, gaps and duplications. A central purpose of public management research is to theorise and influence practice. The practical utilisation of the proposed method is intended to assist managers and politicians with better understanding of a sustainable performance management system.
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- Date Issued: 2012
Implementation challenges of the performance management policy at the Joe Gqabi District Municipality public hospitals
- Authors: Mbethe, Zakanzima
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Employees -- Rating of , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8285 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018498
- Description: Public administration seems to have shifted towards the New Public Management doctrines that emphasize performance management. The healthcare reforms have been a global phenomenon ever since the early 1980s, with the major focus on managerial restructuring, to produce a more responsive and efficient system (Liang and Howard , 2007:393). The South African public sector has gradually introduced a comprehensive performance management system, since the early 80s. In response, the Province of the Eastern Cape began the design and the development of a performance-management policy in early 2000. This policy was later refined and aligned to the National Department of Public Service and Administrations’s performance management policy. The policy was intially implemented in the Province of the Eastern Cape in mid-2003, through a Performance Management and Development System (PMDS). Moderating Committees were established at each level of government, and at the institutional level. The mandate of these Moderating Committees was to ensure the proper implementation of the perfomance-management policy. The purpose of the policy is to provide practical guidelines on the improvement of individual and organisational performance; however, the implementation challenges of this policy have been identified in Joe Gqabi Health District. This study evaluates the implementation challenges of performance-management policy at all the Joe Gqabi District Municipality public hospitals. The main objectives of the research study are, therefore, to : To provide exposition of the provision of the Province of the Eastern Cape performance management policy and regulatory guidelines; To analyse the utilization of performance-management information for determining emunerations, rewarding outstanding performance and for the development of the personnel; To provide a set of recommendations for the policy implementation to improve service delivery in the Joe Gqabi Health District. Both qualitative and quantitave methods were utilised to collect the data for the study. The research questionnaire was distributed to the eleven public hospitals in the Joe Gqabi Health District. The response rate was 52percent and this was considered adequate for scientific analysis and reporting. The research study reached the conclusion that there is generally poor adherence to policy guidelines in the district, in that: Although most hospitals have structured PMDS committees, their meetings are inconsistent, and are generally held only once a year during final assessment. Performance contracts are signed very late, towards the end of the first quarter. Performance-related bonuses are also effected very late, and are considered a demotivating factor by most participants. The support provided by the provincial and district offices for the implementation of the performance-management policy was viewed as being quite inadequate by most of the participants. The majority of the respondents recommended that the policy be replaced by another form of performance management; however, some considered it adequate, but the implementation of the policy requires further attention. The study therefore came to the following recommendations: The Province and the District should provide consistent support to district hospitals for the implementation of the performance-management policy. The provincial offices should authorize performance-related payments timeously, and the district should effect these payments promptly. The co-ordination of the skills-development programme should be decentralized, in order for district hospitals to improve their efficiency and effectiveness in co-ordination. The Accounting Officers of the respective institutions should monitor the implementation of these policy guidelines to ensure compliance. The research findings conclude that provided the above recommendations are implemented, this would improve the implementation of the provincial performance-management policy, and service delivery in public hospitals in the Joe Gqabi District Municipality.
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- Date Issued: 2012
Impact assessment of local economic development in the Amathole district municipality with special reference to agriculture
- Authors: Mpengu, Mbuyiseli
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8203 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1198 , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In this study, Local Economic Development (LED) is defined as an outcome of processes aimed at building up the capacity of local areas for sustainable economic development. The study assesses whether LED interventions, especially agricultural programmes, improve the livelihoods of poor communities in the Amathole District Municipality. Data was collected by use of both qualitative and quantitative research methods through interviews and questionnaires, respectively. Probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used to identify the research sample from the target population. These were further broken down into stratified, purposive and snowball sampling to enable the researcher to select specific municipalities, councillors, officials and stakeholders who participated in the study. Budgetary constraints, staff shortages and lack of required skills/ expertise were identified as the main challenges facing the district. The latter makes it difficult for the municipality to effectively implement sound LED programmes. Consequently, LED benefits are minimal. It is, therefore, recommendable for the municipality to seek other means of generating and boosting their financial viability through partnerships and private sector investments. This in turn will generate revenue for the municipality and ensure economic development in the district, thereby making a meaningful contribution towards the realization of a goal for “a better life for all”.
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- Date Issued: 2010
Service delivery challenges : King Sabata Dalindyebo local municipality : Mthatha
- Authors: Gwayi, Melwin Sandile
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8177 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1541 , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality
- Description: This study aims to achieve the following four research objectives: - To investigate the challenges that led to the KSDLM experiencing poor municipal service delivery, and its constraints to effective implementation of the IDP. - To develop and propose effective strategies for the continuous improvement of service delivery and good governance in KSDLM with specific reference to the town of Mthatha. - To reveal counterproductive variances between legislation and governance instruments crafted by the municipality which may, as a result of misinterpretation, result in distortions in carrying out the Constitutional mandate. - To work towards achieving conclusive findings to assist political office-bearers at national and provincial sphere to formulate legislation to promote the local government’s effectiveness and efficiency.
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- Date Issued: 2010
An evaluation of the ward committee system as a mechanism for enhancing service delivery in Nkonkobe Local Municipality : a case study of Middledrift
- Authors: Pule, Banguxolo
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Citizens' advisory committees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8231 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/857 , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Citizens' advisory committees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The South African local sphere of government has been mandated to provide a developmental and accountable local government and to ensure provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner. As a key developmental agent, local government is obliged by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996 to develop a culture of municipal governance that encourage and create conditions for the local community to participate in the affairs of the municipality. In this regard, ward committees have been introduced to municipalities as community structures to play a critical role in linking and informing the municipalities about the needs, aspirations and problems of their communities. In adherence to national legislation, such as the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act 117 (Act117 of 1998) and the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 2000 (Act 32 of 2000) Nkonkobe Local Municipality established advisory structures in the form of ward committees throughout its area of jurisdiction to advise the municipal council on any matter within the council’s competence. As a representative structure of the community the ward committee is expected to serve as a link between the council and the community and for this purpose articulates community needs and aspirations to better the living standards of the community. Despite the stated objectives of ward committees, the Middledrift area has been identified by Nkonkobe Local Municipality IDP: 2007-2012 as the poorest area in Nkonkobe municipality with backlogs in infrastructure and service delivery. This study evaluates the extent at which the Middledrift ward committee (Ward 16) is enhancing service delivery in its area of jurisdiction.
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- Date Issued: 2009
An assessment of the role of ward committees in public participation with reference to the Kouga local municipality
- Authors: Simanga, Linda
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8230 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/858 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The Republic of South Africa became a democratic country in 1994 after the historic democratic elections. This year also marks the year when South Africa’s first democratic parliament was convened. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act (no. 108 of 1996) was enacted in 1996. This Constitution provides for the creation of the three spheres of government, namely, the national level, which deals with matters of national importance, the provincial level, which deals with matters of provincial importance, and the local level which deals with matters of local importance. Section 152(1) (e) of the above-mentioned Constitution stipulates that the object of local government, amongst others, is to ensure the involvement of communities and community organizations in the matters of local governance. Section 73 of the Municipal Structures Act (no.117 of 1998) also requires municipalities to establish ward committees in a manner that seeks to enhance participatory democracy at the local level. Municipalities are established in terms of Section 12 of the Municipal Structures Act (no. 117 of 1998), wherein Members of Executive Councils (MEC’s) may, by notice in the Provincial Gazette, establish a municipality in each municipal area which the Demarcation Board demarcates in the province in terms of the Municipal Demarcation Act (no. 27 of 1998). Sections 7 and 8 of the Municipal Structures Act (no. 117 of 1998) further stipulate the categories of municipalities as A, B and C. Category A is a metropolitan municipality with wards and ward committees. B is a local municipality characterized by the existence of wards and ward committees to enhance public participation. C is a district municipality, whose responsibility is to support local municipalities within its area of jurisdiction so that they are self sufficient and can manage their own affairs. This study focuses on the Kouga Local Municipality, which is a Category B Municipality as promulgated by the then MEC for Housing, Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Honourable MEC S. Kwelita in the Provincial Gazette (Gazette No. 1537) dated 23 May 2006. The scenario above indicates that in the Kouga Local Municipality, ward committees are supposed to play a critical role in public participation. The study seeks to assess their role and to establish whether or not the ward committee system is effective in this regard. It is common knowledge that, whilst various pieces of legislation are clear in terms of what the role of ward committees should be, the question remains whether there is any adherence in municipalities to ensure that they fulfill their role in public participation, and hence the study.
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- Date Issued: 2008
An investigation of the challenges facing the ward committee system with specific reference to selected municipalities in the province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Ntlemeza, Albert Mncedisi
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:8162 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/584 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Local government in South Africa has undergone radical changes since the first democratic local government elections were held in 1995 and 1996. It is generally known that local government in South Africa was based on racial fragmentation. The new South Africa therefore has to go beyond purely representative democracy to address the inequalities of the apartheid era. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996), envisages a complete transformation of the local government system. Subsequently, a policy framework has been developed to give effect to a new vision of local government. The White Paper on Local Government was passed in March 1998. It spells out the framework and programme in terms of which the existing local government system will be radically transformed. This culminated in the birth of the concept of developmental local government. Developmental local government establishes the basis of a system of local government which is centrally concerned with working with local citizens and ward communities in particular to find sustainable ways to meet their needs and improve the quality of their lives. Developmental local government encourages public participation at the local level. One of the most powerful instruments by which the communities and groups become involved in local government affairs is through the ward committee structures and ward planning forums. The Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act 32 of 2000), makes provision for community participation. Ward committees are established in terms of section 17 (1) of the Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (Act 117 of 1998). Ward committees play an important role in creating a democratic culture of local participation and accountability. They are the main mechanisms available to municipalities and communities to enhance public participation in ix the local sphere of government. Their major obstacle is that their powers are limited to advising the communities and the relevant council. The White Paper on Local Government provides for three approaches which can assist municipalities to be more developmental, namely integrated development planning and budgeting, performance management and working together with local citizens. Ward committees provide a link between the council and these processes. The new system of local government also provides for the consideration of gender issues at the ward committee level. The local government policy framework requires that at least fifty percent of representation on ward committees should be women. The involvement of youth is also greatly encouraged. The system also provides for and clarifies the role/relationship with traditional leaders at the ward committee level. The local government legislative framework accepts and acknowledges the existence of traditional leaders. Their involvement in ward community activities and functions is well documented. Lastly, the capacity building of ward committees is posing a major challenge. In order for ward committee members to perform their functions effectively training must be provided. The respective local councils should be responsible for providing the necessary training to ward committees through the office of the speaker under which they fall. In the national sphere efforts are made to ensure that training for ward committees is provided.
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- Date Issued: 2007