MDB profile

‘’Delivering just and democratic boundaries’’

Established in 1999, The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB), an independent authority has continued to deliver its mandate without fear, favour or prejudice.

The MDB’s mandate is derived from the Municipal Demarcation Act (Act No.

27 of 1998) and Municipal Structures Act (Act No. 117 of 1998).

The MDB is mandated to:

• Determine and re-determine Municipal Boundaries
• Delimit ward boundaries for Local Government Elections
• Conduct Municipal Capacity Assessments; to ascertain whether municipalities have the requisite capability to fulfil their constitutional obligations; therefore advice the responsible MECs on allocation of powers and functions between Local and District Municipalities; and
• Provide advisory services on related local Government matters.

Highlights of the MDB

The MDB played an instrumental role to deepen democracy in South Africa through reversal of the apartheid spatial logic, creating boundaries that do not run along ethnic, racial or class lines, integrated settlements, facilitated an equitable service delivery and an inclusive tax-base to foster socio-economic development.

The year 2019, was a watershed period that ushered in the 20 years anniversary of the MDB which also coincided with the sixth national elections and 25 years of freedom in the country. MDB hosted a remarkable conference themed:”20 Years of demarcation, Reflections on Spatial Transformation’’. The significant gathering symbolised the MDB’s continued endeavour to engage thought leaders on how to sharpen the demarcation instrument aligned with the National Development Plan (NDP) to influence effective service delivery.

MDB processes

The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) finalised the ward delimitation process in December 2020 and handed over 4468 wards to the IEC to begin with the preparation for the LG election. To this end communities are encouraged to use the Web App developed to assist them to know their wards #KnowYourWards.

The Municipal Outer Boundary Redetermination process will commence after the 2021 Local Government Elections (LGE).

Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB)

For more information:
Contact us on: 012 342 2481
www.demarcation.org.za
Info@demarcation.org.za