The DA in Ekurhuleni is concerned about the Disorganisation and Lack of Commitment around Public Participation Processes in the City
by Cllr. Ivan Naidoo and Cllr. Samantha Nair– DA Ward Councillors for Ward 37 and 94 and in Ekurhuleni
Date: 22 May 2023
Release: Immediate
Type: Media statement
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Alberton is concerned about the disorganisation and a lack of commitment of officials around public participation processes in the City.
On the 3rd of May 2023, the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) announced that it would undertake a public participation process for the recently adopted, Energy by-law.
The City’s initial Energy by-law was approved and promulgated in terms of the Council resolution of April 2002. Given that the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) supplies and distributes electricity to its customers in terms of its Electricity By-laws, it was important to update this by-law to reflect legislative changes and the current state of our City, Country, and the Economy. This will ensure that the city operates within the confines of the most recent legislative amendments and the ever-changing social, political, economic, and environmental context of our Country.
By-laws are adopted by the council of a municipality to regulate the affairs and services within the jurisdiction of the municipality.
According to Section 12 (3) of the Municipal Systems Act, “No by-law may be passed by a municipal council unless –
(a) all the members of the council have been given reasonable notice; and
(b) the proposed by-law has been published for public comment in a manner that allows the public an opportunity to make representations with regard to the proposed by-law.
Although the City has announced dates to ensure that public participation occurs as required in terms of the law, there has been a recent trend in the City where the implementation of public participation processes is not carried out as required.
In the instance of the public participation meeting for Palmridge, public participation processes did not take place as scheduled. Despite the meeting being advertised and scheduled by the City for the 12th May 2023, 14:00- 16:30, at Alberton Hall, the DA Ward Councillors for the area were shocked on the day of the meeting, when they were informed that the venue was never booked, residents were not invited, and that no officials were present to conduct the process. The Councillors also did not receive any communication about the cancellation of the meeting, nor was there any formal communication from the City indicating otherwise.
The recently adopted CoE policy on public participation clearly states that the Municipality has a legal obligation to establish appropriate mechanisms, processes, and procedures to enable the local community to participate in its affairs. Although it is still unclear why public participation did not occur as planned, this legislative requirement must be fulfilled regardless of the perceived attendance or interest of residents in the process.
Media Enquiries
Cllr. Ivan Naidoo
DA Ward Councillor for Ward 37 in Ekurhuleni
061 545 3372
Cllr. Samantha Nair
DA Ward Councillor for Ward 94 in Ekurhuleni
082 921 2856
