Minister Bredell congratulates elected parties and calls for focus on serving communities
Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, has congratulated all political parties that secured representation in municipal councils across the Western Cape following the recent local government elections.
Bredell said the election period was now over and that the focus must shift decisively towards the responsibilities of governing and serving communities.
“Congratulations to every political party that has earned the confidence of voters and secured representation in our municipal councils. I also want to congratulate every councillor who has been elected to serve their community.
The political campaigning and electioneering are now behind us. The people of the Western Cape have exercised their democratic right and elected representatives to serve them. Regardless of which party received their vote, residents expect their elected representatives to work towards improving their lives.”
Minister Bredell said, “Our collective responsibility now is to put politics aside and focus on delivering quality basic services, creating an environment for economic growth and ensuring that our municipalities remain accountable to the people they serve.”
The immediate priority is for newly elected municipal councils to be formally constituted and their office-bearers elected.
In terms of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 1998, the municipal manager must convene the first meeting of a newly elected council within 14 days after the election results have been declared. District councils follow a separate timetable, with their 14-day period running from the appointment of all representatives by local councils.
At their first sitting, councils must elect a Speaker from among their councillors. The Speaker will thereafter preside over council proceedings. The election of mayors and, where applicable, deputy mayors, must follow the relevant legislative provisions governing the particular type of municipality. The appointment of executive structures and the election of office-bearers must be conducted in accordance with the prescribed procedures.
The provincial Department of Local Government will play an important role in supporting municipalities throughout this transition.
Minister Bredell said that departmental officials will be available to assist municipal managers, councillors and councils with procedural guidance, governance requirements and any legislative questions that may arise during the establishment of the new councils.
“I want to emphasise that this support is entirely non-political. The Department does not favour any political party or seek to influence the political composition or decisions of municipal councils. Our responsibility is to ensure that the transition takes place smoothly, lawfully and in accordance with the legislation governing local government in South Africa. We will provide the same support and oversight to every municipality, irrespective of which party or political arrangement leads it,” Minister Bredell said.
“Ultimately, residents measure their municipalities by whether the water runs, the electricity stays on, roads are maintained and their communities receive the services they deserve. That is where the focus must be for the next five years. I wish all newly elected councillors well in their responsibilities and look forward to working with every municipality in the interests of the people of the Western Cape,” the Minister concluded.
Media Enquiries:
Wouter Kriel
Spokesperson for Minister Anton Bredell
Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning
079 694 3085