GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - After the 2021 local elections, the number of wards in the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality will drop from 14 to 12.
Ayanda Monkhe and Fazel Hoosen from the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) recently informed the community of the proposed new wards at a meeting held in the Alex Laing Hall.
About 150 people attended, with three political parties represented, as well as some civic organisations.
Monkhe explained the delimitation process whereby the number of councillors is determined by COGTA, and discussed the application of the norm number of voters to be allocated to each ward.
After the presentation, an opportunity was given for questions.
Zola Hanabe, from Umasizakhe and a former mayor, expressed his view that the stated aim of not dividing communities with ward boundaries divides on financial lines, and reinforces apartheid spatial dynamics. He also stated that if there were fewer councillors, they would work harder.
The lack of notice given to the community about the process and the reasons for the change was noted by Liz Buisman, who attended on behalf of the Graaff-Reinet Residents' and Ratepayers' Association.
"One meeting in one venue is not enough for the whole of the Dr Beyers Naudé Municipality," said Willem Säfers, ward 1 councillor, pointing out that there was not good representation of Graaff-Reinet organisations.
Clr Eldrige Ruiters agreed: "The meeting was at an awkward time for many. It was not advertised, and many interested parties missed the presentation," he said.
There were also requests for more accurate maps, showing exactly where the new boundaries are. Hoosen explained that the next stage of the process would give this detail.
Zola Hanabe raising his opinion. Photos: Sue Shaw
It was emphasised that these are only draft proposals, and members of the community are invited to submit alternate proposals for the division of the wards, provided that they adhere to the legal requirements.
Samantha Graham-Maré, MP, commented that, given how incredibly difficult it is to make the numbers work, she feels that the MDB has done well to create 12 workable wards.
"I encourage all stakeholders to make use of this opportunity and submit their views on the draft delimitation to the MDB," said speaker Thembisa Nonnies, adding that forms and assistance would be available from her office.
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