Ward commitee nominations open

Citizens get a real chance to take part in the running of the city through ward committees, for which they can nominate and vote for people in their community.
NOMINATIONS are open for residents who are interested in participating in the running of the City as part of a ward committee, and will be until 27 February; elections will take place in all 130 wards of the Joburg municipality later in the year.

“Ward committees are democratically elected to represent the various interest groups in the community in the ward,” explains the Speaker of council, Constance Bontle Bapela. “They report on matters affecting the ward or emanating from the ward to the municipality.”

These committees are made up of 10 members, and are chaired by the ward councillor of the area.

“The ward committee system is part of the institutionalisation and deepening of democracy at the ward level, to ensure citizenry participation in matters concerning planning, development and implementation of the development agenda of the municipality.”

There are 10 sectors that fall under the ward committee’s consideration, and nominees will need to choose one of these areas of concern should they apply:

Finance and economic development (business, labour and development forums);
Community development 1, covering sports, culture, libraries and theatre;
Community development 2, overseeing recreation, parks and the Johannesburg Zoo;
Development planning;
Housing;
Health and social development, focusing on youth, women, children and people with disabilities;
Health and social development, covering faith-based organisations, community-based organisations and non-governmental organisations;
Transport;
Public safety; and
Infrastructure and the environment.
Nominees need to be South African citizens, aged 18 or older; must be a registered voter in their respective ward; and must not be indebted to the municipality or, in case of indebtedness, must have an arrears arrangement in place.

More information, as well as nomination forms, can be found at any regional ward governance office or by contacting Maggie Govinden on 011 407 6072 or email maggieg@joburg.org.za or Nthateng Manakaza on 011 407 6250 or email nthatengma@joburg.org.za.

Nomination forms can also be downloaded off the City’s website.

Completed forms must be returned to any of the City’s regional ward governance offices by 4pm on 27 February. The date of the elections will be communicated to applicants thereafter.