1. WARD COMMITTEE GUIDELINES 2016

2. THE IMPORTANCE OF SPEAKING WITH ONE VOICE

3. WARD COMMITTEES: OBJECTIVES
The Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 1998 asserts that “the objective of a ward committee is to enhance participatory democracy in local government.”

4. WHAT IS A WARD COMMITTEE
Ward committees are democratically elected, two-way communication structures between council and communities.
PURPOSE OF THE COMMITTEE
The committee exists to channel the views and needs of communities back to council.

5. STATUS OF WARD COMMITTEES
A ward committee is:
An advisory body
Independent
Impartial
Perform functions without fear, favour or prejudice

6. COMPOSITION OF WARD COMMITTEES
WARD COUNCILLOR
The councillor is the one who represents that ward in Council and is also the Chairperson of the committee
10 MEMBERS (NO MORE)
The ward administrator will serve as the Secretary of the Ward Committee
The principle of gender equity must be taken into account and this may be achieved by ensuring an even number of men and women on the committee

7. COMMUNITY INTEREST GROUPS
Women
Faith Based Organisations
Business
People with disabilities
Senior citizens
Youth
Education
Community Based Organisations
Non-Governmental Organisations
Informal Traders Association
Traditional Leaders
Health and Welfare
Taxi Associations
Sports and Culture

8. WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN WARD COMMITTEES
People who:
Strive to serve the best interest of the community from which they are elected
Always act with integrity in the executions of their functions, without fear, favour or prejudice
Will not use their positions as ward committee members for private gain
Will make decisions on merit, based on the mandate received from their ward
Will not act in any manner that could compromise the credibility, impartiality or independence of the ward committee
Accept accountability to the ward community that they serve

9. THE ROLES OF WARD COMMITTEES
A ward committee has the powers delegated by s 59 of the Municipal Systems Act. In addition, ward committees:
Advise and make recommendations to ward councillors on matters affecting the ward.
Increase the participation of local residents in municipal decision-making, as they are a direct and unique link with the council
Are representative of the local ward, and are not politically aligned

10. ROLES OF WARD COMMITTEES CONT.
Should be involved in matters such as the IDP process, municipal performance management, the annual budget, council projects and other key activities and programmes as all these projects and activities impact on local communities
Can identify and initiate local projects to improve the lives of people in the ward
Can support the councillor in dispute resolutions, providing information about municipal operations

11. ROLES OF WARD COMMITTEES CONT.
Can monitor the performance of the municipality and raise issues of concern to the local Ward Councillor
Can help with community awareness campaigns e.g. waste, water and sewage, payment of fees and charges, as members know their local communities and their needs

12. ROLES OF WARD COMMITTEES CONT.
Make use of and co-ordinate ward resident meetings and other community
development forums to ensure harmonious
interaction between the municipality and
community
When matters affect the ward, interact with other forums and organisations

13. TERM OF OFFICE FOR WARD COMMITTEES
The regulation enacted in terms of Section 75(2) of the Structures Act, provides that a ward committee must remain competent to function from the date on which it is established until the date of the next local government elections. The draft policy of the City of JHB seeks to align the term of ward committees with the term of office of the Council with effect from the date on which ward committees will be elected.

14. ELECTION CRITERIA A Person:
Nominees must be registered voters of the ward and be motivated to work on the ward committee by working for a better life for their constituents
May not work for the municipality in which he/she is employed
If indebted to the municipality, or is in arrears regarding payments for their service accounts, should upon appointment, make the necessary arrangements to meet their obligation

15. ELECTION CRITERIA CONT.
May not be elected if convicted of an offence and sent to prison without the option of a fine for a period of not less than 12 months after February 1997
May not be elected if declared of unsound mind by a court of law

16. NOMINATION PROCESS
01 NOVEMBER – 25 NOVEMBER
A person must be nominated by two community members who are registered voters in that specific ward
The nominee must accept the nomination by signing the nomination form
All completed forms must be submitted to the relevant Municipal Regional offices by the advertised closing date
The nominee must choose ONLY ONE sector which they intend to contest

17. WARD COMMITTEE SECTORS
The following are the ward committee sectors:
Housing
Transport
Public Safety (JMPD, EMS)
Economic Development
Community Development 1 (Sports, Culture, Youth)
Community Development 2 (Women, FBO’s, CBO’s & NGO’s)
Health
Environment
Development Planning & Urban Management
Infrastructure & Services (City Power, Joburg Water, Pikitup)

22. THANK YOU!