In the recent weeks we have indeed seen a rise in protests in the City of Joburg. While people have a right to do so, I do however believe that any protests should not be violent towards Councillors and or their families. It should also not be destructive to Council and government properties.
Lots of these violent protests have been around Eskom on electricity issues.
A number of Ward Coucillors in the City of Johannesburg have raised these constant Electricity outages challenges with my office, as a Speaker
of Council and has been noted. I therefore written to Eskom and the office of the Mayor to highlight these growing concerns from affected councillors.
I have also realised that our communities are not aware of the role of a Councillor, they don't at times understand that supply of Electricity in areas like Soweto, Orange Farm, Alex and Ivory Park are supplied by Eskom. (what has been done to educate them? Civic education, community meetings, others ?? – it is our duty as Council to ensure that they know
It will be important for my office to clarify the role and responsibilities of Councillors. (opening a can of worms to media in that we don’t do our work)
Ward councillors are elected to oversee specific areas within a municipality, we have 135 Wards under the City of Johannesburg.
The specific duties of a ward councillor, and exactly how much power they have, are often exaggerated. A ward councillor is not responsible for the delivery of basic services like the supply of water or electricity, or for fixing potholes. Their responsibility is to represent the concerns of their ward in council. (on this, we need to write a opinion letter maybe?)
The high expectations of residents on exactly what the councillor should be doing with limited funds, time, and help can present a challenge to the councillors.
All our councillors should have extensive knowledge of local government systems and the municipal environment. They are, therefore, equipped to advise residents on how to solve issues that they cannot personally resolve, or at least give them contact details of an official who can help them and a Councillor. Must show a way forward for their communities.
Basic services are provided by the municipality and the entities it employs, meaning that it is their job to fix these services. However, residents often misunderstand the duties of a ward councillor and expect them to resolve the issue. This is ok
Councillors can only intervene once the resident has reported the issue, received a reference number, and then received no service delivery. ok
What are some of the key responsibilities of a ward councillor?
• Councillors serve as representatives of the residents in their ward; they facilitate their ward’s inputs; and serve as the communication link between Council and communities
• Councillors help monitor the performance of the municipality
• Councillors ratify key decisions of Council. The councillors vote for decisions to be made and can debate certain issues and present alternatives or represent different views
• Councillors serve as members of ward committees where residents and councillors work together to identify and resolve issues
• Councillors act as custodians or guardians of public finances such as the budget for fixing ward issues
• Councillors are responsive and accountable to the communities they serve
Councillors should always be attentive to their community, and available within reason. They are not always available immediately due to meetings, personal commitments, and other engagements.
I would like to encourage the residents of Joburg to use the channels of communications such as Regional offices walk-in centres, Cllrs offices, the City’s social media platforms and meetings such as CBP's /IDP's to raise their grievances or issues. Violence does not solve problems, instead puts lives at risk.
Let us be aware of the way we deal with issues, we must remember children look up to us, as parents and community leaders. When we are violent and disruptive we will be setting a bad example to our children in that violence can solve problems.
Let us work together, treat each other with respect and be mindful that our children look to us for leadership. (repeatation)
STATEMENT ENDS-
Issued by the City of Johannesburg
Spokesperson for the Speaker of Council: Sipho Masigo, 060 504 9586
For all media queries, please send an email to siphomasi@joburg.org.za
22/06/2021
