Final consultations on eThekwini wards to engage residents and clarify boundaries

The eThekwini Municipality is set to embark on its final public consultation process regarding the delimitation of wards within its jurisdiction. The upcoming meetings, covering all 80 wards, are expected to cost ratepayers R1.4 million, and will create an avenue for residents to voice their opinions and concerns regarding the crucial adjustments in ward boundaries.

Following a previous consultation that took place in June, the eThekwini Governance and Human Resource Committee received a comprehensive report highlighting the importance of these consultations. The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) aims to rearrange the public consultation meetings into a more efficient sub-region format. This will increase the number of public consultative meetings from four to six, a strategy designed to overcome logistical challenges and ensure meaningful engagement with local communities.

The municipality has indicated that the R1.4 million expenditure will go towards various logistical necessities, including venue hire, catering, and the provision of technical equipment. Residents are encouraged to participate actively, as the alterations in ward boundaries will significantly affect resource allocation, service delivery, and accountability structures.

Among the issues raised in regard to the proposed changes is a formal objection to the boundary adjustments in Cato Ridge. It was highlighted that vital eThekwini infrastructure has inadvertently fallen within the Umkhambathini District Municipality, which has raised concerns about potential impacts on local governance and service provision.

Geoff Pullan, DA Ward 58 councillor, voiced his concern about the potential confusion stemming from split voting districts. “Splitting the voting district causes hassle on voting day. For example, a husband and wife living in the same house were subjected to voting in different voting districts,” he stated, emphasizing the need for clarity and cohesion within the community.

His sentiments were echoed by ANC Ward 28 councillor Nthando Khuzwayo, who urged fellow councillors to actively engage their communities and submit their own suggestions to the board. He recounted a similar situation where residents of a single block of flats found themselves voting across two different districts.

Patrick Pillay, leader of the Democratic Liberal Congress (DLC), highlighted issues faced by communities in Phoenix and Chatsworth, claiming that many wards in these areas were excluded from the MDB's consultations, yet would be directly affected by the boundary revisions. “We must ensure that affected wards are not marginalised in this process,” he insisted, underscoring the importance of inclusive engagement for all stakeholders.

ActionSA Councillor Saneli Zuma emphasised the role of public participation in fostering good governance. “Public participation is at the heart of good governance, and it allows residents to voice their concerns, contribute ideas, and hold politicians accountable.”

However, Zuma raised eyebrows over the R741,000 budget allocated for catering, proposing that a reduction in these costs could free up funds for more impactful community initiatives. “We must ensure that the communities do not attend these sessions for meals, and that they attend because they want to be heard and to see action,” she argued.

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za