Minister wishes new councillors well

Local Government

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister Des van Rooyen has wished new councillors well in their new responsibilities.

“In welcoming you all democratically elected councillors, I urge you to remain true to the democratic tenants, principles and ethos of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

“I urge you to remain true to the mandate of this important sphere of our government, as established in terms of our Constitution as a distinctive sphere of government, interdependent and interrelated with national and provincial spheres,” said Minister Van Rooyen.

He also expressed confidence in the councillors’ ability to carry out their duties with the best interests of communities at heart.

“We urge all the 257 municipalities to ensure that the fourth term [of democratic local government] is guided by the vision of a democratic and developmental local government in which municipalities fulfil their constitutional obligations,” the Minister said.

All councillors will go through an induction programme.

The induction programme will enable councillors to quickly become familiar with how the council works, the rules under which a council operates and the complexities of the role.