Some of the main objectives for ward committees, as determined in the Local Government: Structures Act, 117 of 1998, are to to create formal, unbiased communication channels and co-operative partnerships between the municipality and the community within a ward; to ensure contact between the municipality and the community through the relevant feedback mechanisms; to create harmonious relationships between the residents of a ward, ward councillor, the diverse community and the municipality as a whole; to facilitate public participation in the process of the development, to review and implement the Budget and IDP of the municipality; to act as an advisory body on council policies and matters affecting communities in the ward as requested; to serve in an officially recognised and specialised participatory structure in the municipality; to make recommendations on matters affecting the ward to the ward councillor, the local council, and the mayor; to serve as a constructive mobilising agent for positive community action; to monitor, in conjunction with the ward councillor, the implementation of ward plans, programmes and ward discretionary funds, the control and implementation of which rest with council; and to promote a culture of use and payment of/ for services supplied by all spheres of government.

• Ward 10: Monday, February 16 at 17:00 in the Municipal Council Chamber (Richard Dawson).
• Ward 8:Tuesday, February 17 at 18:00 in the Masifunde Library (Ntombizanele Sopeki).
• Ward 1: Tuesday, February 24 at 18:00 in the Smutsville Youth Centre (Irene Grootboom).
• Ward 5: Tuesday, March 3 at 18:00 in the Rheenendal Youth Centre (Eleanore Bouw-Spies).
• Ward 4: Tuesday, March 10 at 17:00 at the Chris Nissen Primary School (Wiseman Litoli).
• Ward 3: Thursday, March 12 at 18:00 in the Chris Hani Hall (Migiel Lizwani).
• Ward 2: Tuesday 17 March at 09:00 in the Sedgefield Council Chambers and at 17:00 in the Karatara Clinic (Louisa Hart).
• Ward 9: Tuesday 24 March at 18:00 in the Hornlee Committee Room (Michelle Wasserman).

ARTICLE: CHRISTO VERMAAK, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST

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