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Public Announcement
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Background to the Municipal Demarcation Board
Prior to the establishment of a national Demarcation Board in 1999, the determination of municipal boundaries for the 1995-96 local elections was done in terms of the Local Government Transition Act, No 209 of 1993. Members of the provincial executive councils (MECs) determined the boundaries on the advice of provincial demarcation boards. Due to a provision in the Constitution [section 155(3)(b)], as well as to amendments to the Local Government Transition Act and the promulgation of the Municipal Demarcation Act, the nine provincial demarcation boards were disestablished and MECs were no longer responsible for the determination of municipal boundaries.
Frequently asked questions
The MDB demarcates municipal boundaries after the local government elections. This is due to the fact that municipal boundaries have to be in place for each local government election.
Apart from the MDB’s own initiative, a request can also be made by the Minister or MEC, or on request from a municipality with the concurrence of any other municipality affected by the proposed determination or redetermination (Section 22).
In terms of the Municipal Demarcation Act, any member of the public may propose a municipal boundary re-determination. However, the MDB would prefer that there would be proof that there has been prior consultation with the affected communities and affected municipalities.
• The MDB has no mandate for demarcating provincial boundaries.
• Provincial boundary demarcations are a competence of Parliament through a constitutional amendment.
• Representations regarding changes to municipal boundaries affecting provincial boundaries need to be submitted to national Minister responsible for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is the custodian and therefore responsible for voting stations and voting districts.
MEC Publication of the number of councillors
Ward Delimitation Programmme & Circulars
• Gov. Exhibition Day - MDB in Northern Cape
• The impact of amalgamations on municipal service delivery: The case of rand west city local municipality
The MDB commences with the Municipal Ward changes process
Latest News
Deadline for submission of proposals: Municipal ward process for the 19 municipalities
The MDB has resolved not to re-determine any municipal boundaries at this time. This is in line with Circulars 3 of 2025.
Final chance to shape your wards ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections
Public Consultations on Municipal Wards (07 April 2025 to 30 June 2025)
Did You Know?
MDB SPATIAL KNOWLEDGE HUB
Do you want to know the location of the wards, municipalities and other related information? Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) has developed a Spatial Knowledge Hub – an online site for easy access of readily printable maps, shapefiles, and useful web map applications.
Actively embracing the socioeconomic gains of our democracy
We call on all youth owned companies to send their proof of registration on the National Treasury’s Central Supplier Database (CSD) to:
scm@demarcation.org.za
