Swellendam Municipality has six (6) words, each represented by an elected Ward Councillor. Each Ward Councillor in turn is supported by a political Ward Committee that creates the main engagement channel between the Municipality and the residents of that specific ward.
It is the responsibility of the Ward Committee to advise the Ward Councillor on planning matters, development, policies and initiatives so that planning is not done for the residents, but instead in collaboration with residents. The Ward Committees play a crucial role in the adoption and changes to the Integrated Development Plan, a plan that guides not only a municipality’s budget, but also envisions what the municipality will look like in the future.
As the new Council was elected in November 2021, it is now time to elect Ward Committee members for the respective wards. Nomination forms are available from Ward Councillors or at the Municipality’s Head Office in Voortrek Street, Swellendam. Each Ward Committee constitutes ten elected members with the chairmanship of the Ward Councillor. Any resident in any ward who is registered on the national voters roll for the ward in which they reside, may be nominated as well as cast a vote for a nominated resident.
Individuals who are not eligible for nomination to ward committees:
- Officials currently in the employ of the local or district Municipalities in which they reside.
- Residents who are currently in arrears with municipal bills for rates or service charges for a period exceeding three months.
- Individuals not of sound mind.
- Individuals who are unrehabilitated insolvent or under curatorship as Ward Committee representatives, as committee members are required to be of good character and standing in a community.
- Individuals who, after February 1997, have been convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment without the option of a fine for a period of not less than twelve (12) months.
To ensure that the best individuals are elected to advise Ward Councillors, it is best to nominate individuals that are active in the sector or geographic area. Organisations active in a ward may also nominate an individual to represent their organisation or a specific sector, on Ward Committees.
Nominations will close on 15 February 2022 at 12:00, with elections taking place in the week of 21 February 2022. If you require any further information please contact, Mrs A. Vorster or Mrs D. Jonas at 082 514 8500 or anneleenv@swellenmun.co.za / djonas@swellenmun.co.za
A.M. Groenewald
Municipal Manager
Notice A4/2022
