06.04.2025
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SA begins ward reconfiguration process ahead of 2026 local elections

4 mins



  • The Municipal Demarcation Board

2 minutes

The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) has started a consultation process aimed at the reconfiguration of wards ahead of next year’s local government elections.

COGTA Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa launched the Municipal Demarcation Board nationwide public consultation process for the 2025 Ward Delimitation Process in White River, Mpumalanga.

The board’s deputy chairperson, David Mohale, says it is imperative that wards are reconfigured ahead of the municipal elections.

“In the past, the municipal demarcation board has been criticized for not engaging members of the public enough; people would just wake up and hear that the ward had changed, so the purpose is to heighten awareness so that people are aware that the process will be starting next week. Monday, we will be in all nine provinces. You will be aware of factors like migrations happening now and then, and you would know that with every election, the IEC updates its own voters’ roll by using it as a source of input in order to inform the setting up of wards.”

Concerns

Meanwhile, residents have raised concerns with regard to the reconfiguration of wards. They say communities are disadvantaged due to the reconfigured wards. The locals say the delivery of service is compromised.

“The demarcation is failing us in the process because they demarcate on their own; they don’t consult the community. They ask the ward committees to come and attend, while they actually have to go to the communities in the villages and not ask the ward committees to come to the town and briefly explain to them. The leaders are failing us; they don’t want to give us information, especially when we need transport when we visit the communities, and no, it is not right,” says a resident.

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