The Office of the Speaker of the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality convened a meeting with all 370 Ward Committee members representing the Municipality’s 37 wards, together with the ward Councillors , Independent Electoral Commission and the local offices of the Department of Home Affairs in Mthatha and Mqanduli.
The purpose of the meeting was to acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable role played by Ward Committees throughout the current 2021–2026 Local Government Term of Office. The Speaker encouraged Ward Committee members to continue serving their communities with dedication and commitment, ensuring that they conclude their term on a high note. Particular emphasis was placed on the critical role of Ward Committees in mobilising community participation during the upcoming Local Government Elections. Members were encouraged to be at the forefront of supporting voter education and registration as well as collaboration with key stakeholders involved in the electoral process.
Department of Home Affairs and the Independent Electoral Commission outlined the expected role of Ward Committees in assisting their respective institutions, particularly in promoting voter registration, identity document applications , distribution and collections.
During the meeting, the Speaker also presented certificates in Minute Taking and Report Writing as well as Project Management to 192 Ward Committee members who successfully completed the capacity-building programmes conducted during the 2021–2026 Local Government Term of Office. Other certificates on the same had been issued to other ward committees prior to the meeting.
This initiative forms part of the Municipality’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its public participation machinery by equipping Ward Committee members in order to enhance their ability to serve communities effectively, promote good governance, and support meaningful public participation across the municipality.