DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT Provincial Comments on the Draft National Framework for the Implementation of Funding Models for Wards Presentation to Premier’s Co-ordinating Forum 17 March 2010

Draft Framework for Ward Funding The Department of Local Government & Housing has considered the Draft Framework for Ward Funding The Department facilitated ward summits in four districts in the past year, and these were attended by ward councillors, committee members and relevant municipal officials. The comments below are based upon the discussions during the summits and comments from Municipal Managers at the PAFTECH held on 2 June 2009

General Comments on Draft Framework It is imperative for municipalities to ensure that ward committees are adequately supported. –Ward committees are important in that they encourage community involvement in issues of governance and decision making. –Ward committees provide a mechanism not only for broader community participation but also for civil society participation –Ward committees can provide inputs to municipal planning if they are fully supported. The Department has been providing support to four district municipalities and some sub-councils in the City in community-based planning.

Comments: Funding Framework Municipalities must ensure that the out-of-pocket expenses incurred by ward committee members are reimbursed e.g. transport, communication costs The manner in which municipalities reimburse for out-of-pocket expenses should be left to municipalities rather than to be prescribed It is important to ensure that the ward committee system is underpinned by a spirit of voluntarism rather than guaranteed allowances that can lead to unnecessary contestation of ward committee membership of all residents. The approach chosen by a municipality (to reimbursing out-of-pocket expenses) must be supported by its financial means

Comments: Proposed Indicators NoProcess indicatorOutput indicatorVerifiable Source or Proof 1 Ward councillor and ward committee members to schedule sector and community report back meetings Accountability to community and sector they represent Report to be submitted to the office of the Speaker and public participation official 2 Each ward committee member to have a subcommittee or portfolio committee for sector reportbacks Direct accountability to the sector. Sectors to identify issues directly affecting them. Schedule of sector meetings Attendance register Minutes of meetings 3 Each ward committee to have a deputy chairperson elected from ward committee members Ensure continuity at ward committee meeting Agenda and minutes of ward committee meetings 4 Matters of service delivery emanating from the ward committee meetings are taken forward by the municipality. Clear timeframes for municipal response on ward issues Issues to be an item on the council agenda. Reduction in community protests Ward councillor to report back to ward committee members and sectors on issues raised. 5 Introduction of ward committee members Know your ward committee member campaign 6 Municipalities to adopt and implement Community Based Planning Active community participation in municipal IDP processes Community plans incorporated into IDPs

Process going forward A comprehensive set of ward committee functionality indicators will be finalised The Department will consult with all municipalities, organised local government and civil society in the development of a Provincial Framework The Department will continue providing support to municipalities in community-based planning

QUESTIONS?