The Kimberley Prospector

In a recent tweet, Renaldo Gouws, a YouTuber and DA-Councillor of Nelson Mandela Bay, shed light on the limitations and challenges that ward councillors in South African municipalities face. Gouws emphasized that being a ward councillor does not grant superpowers, but rather access to administrators within the municipality to address community issues.

Gouws asserted that ward councillors are essentially residents with access to contact lists and email addresses of key individuals who can assist in resolving problems. Effective communication with these administrators expedites the resolution of various matters. However, the current dysfunctional administration in Nelson Mandela Bay has hindered progress for the past eight months, leaving ward councillors unable to fulfil their duties effectively.

Numerous contracts, including those related to street bulb maintenance, pothole repairs, and the sealing of open electrical connections, are now on hold due to the administrative breakdown. Gouws also highlighted the worrying issues of rampant cable theft resulting from load shedding and the stealing of vital infrastructure along the beachfront, which fall under the jurisdiction of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Gouws was quick to emphasize that ward councillors are not electricians, plumbers, or individuals authorized to directly touch municipal infrastructure. However, he established a successful Beachfront Safety Sector to address safety concerns, only to witness its resources diverted by the new administration, rendering it ineffective.

The situation in Nelson Mandela Bay is aggravated by the absence of a mayor or mayoral committee members, which hampers the renewal of contracts and exacerbates the overall decline in service delivery. It is essential to refrain from solely blaming ward councillors, as the issues faced by the metro are widespread, impacting ward councillors from all political affiliations.

Gouws urged individuals to reach out to ward councillors across the city to confirm the challenges they face. He emphasized that he is continuously present in his ward, dedicating long hours of work to address the pressing issues, even resorting to private sector intervention for successful resolution. Unfortunately, certain constraints beyond his control, such as the lack of contract enforcement for streetlights, contractual disputes with water leak repair subcontractors, and staff shortages at the Humewood SAPS station, contribute to the prevailing challenges.

It is essential to acknowledge that much of the success witnessed under the previous administration was a result of operating within a DA-led coalition that ensured contractual obligations were fulfilled. Therefore, attributing the deterioration of services to ward councillors alone would be disingenuous, as the primary responsibility rests with those accountable for ensuring effective administration.

Gouws welcomed any doubters to speak directly with residents or shadow him for a day to recognize the extent of his commitment and dedication to his ward. Contrary to assumptions, ward councillors like Gouws work tirelessly, investing at least 14 hours per day in their responsibilities.

While social media engagement may be scrutinized, it is crucial to understand that the limited time ward councillors spend on such platforms often falls within their responses to emails, breaks between meetings, or during personal time in the evenings, amounting to approximately 30 to 45 minutes daily.

Ward councillors in South African municipalities shoulder immense responsibilities and expectations, aiming to advocate for their constituents and achieve meaningful change. However, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations they face and channel the responsibility for systemic failures towards those in positions of authority, whose duty is to prevent such deterioration.

Responsibilities of Ward Councillors

Municipal councillors have important responsibilities and duties in accordance with municipal policies and South African laws. In their respective wards, councillors are expected to perform several key duties and responsibilities.

1. Representation: Councillors are elected to represent the interests and concerns of the community within their wards. They act as a voice for the residents, ensuring that their needs are heard, understood, and addressed.
2. Policy Making: Councillors are responsible for participating in the development and implementation of municipal policies and by-laws. They should work with fellow councillors to create policies that promote the well-being and development of their communities.
3. Service Delivery: Councillors play a vital role in overseeing the provision of essential services to their wards. They should actively engage with municipal officials to ensure that services such as water, sanitation, electricity, and waste management meet the needs of their constituents.
4. Community Engagement: Councillors must communicate and engage with members of their community regularly. They should actively seek feedback and input from residents on various issues affecting their wards. This includes attending community meetings, hosting public consultations, and maintaining open lines of communication.
5. Financial Oversight: Councillors are responsible for ensuring the responsible management of municipal resources allocated to their wards. They should actively monitor budgetary allocations, financial reporting, and spending to prevent mismanagement and corruption.
6. Development Planning: Councillors are expected to contribute to the development and implementation of long-term plans for their wards. This includes collaborating with municipal officials, community organizations, and residents to identify and prioritize development projects for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other essential community needs.
   From the community’s perspective, councillors are expected to be accessible, responsive, and accountable. They should actively listen to community concerns, engage in two-way communication, and provide updates and progress reports on their efforts. Councillors should also advocate for the community’s interests at council meetings and engage in constructive dialogue with fellow councillors to advance the ward’s needs.

Ultimately, councillors should demonstrate integrity, transparency, and a strong commitment to serving the best interests of their communities. It is through their diligent and responsible execution of their duties that councillors contribute to the overall well-being and development of their wards.