Ward change Process.
The MDB is mandated to demarcate municipal boundaries of the entire territory of the Republic.
A step-by-step tutorial on how to use the App and view your ward.
The MDB has developed a Spatial Knowledge Hub – an online site for easy access of readily printable maps, shapefiles, and useful web map applications.
Background to the Municipal Demarcation Board
The Municipal Demarcation Board is an independent authority responsible for the determination of municipal boundaries. The Board’s status as an independent authority is also protected by section 3 of The Local Government: Municipal Demarcation Act, 1998, and various judgments by the Constitutional Court.
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.
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.
• 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
Demarcation Bulletin
September Issue
• MDB Strengthens Relations with Key Stakeholders.
• MDB Embarks on a Journey to Improve Stakeholder Consultations.
• MDB Prioritises Persons Living with Disabilities in Demarcation Processes.
• MDB Embarks on a Journey to Improve Stakeholder Consultations.
• MDB Prioritises Persons Living with Disabilities in Demarcation Processes.
The MDB commences with the Municipal Ward changes process
Latest News
July 10, 2024. 2:30 PM
The MDB commences with the Municipal Ward changes process
The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) has commenced with the education and awareness of the Municipal Ward Delimitation process.
September 19, 2023. 8:31 AM
The MDB conducts Public consultations and formal investigations
The MDB is currently conducting nationwide public consultations for identified cases in line with Circular 2 of 2023 and Formal Investigations for identified cases in line with Circular 3 of 2023.
May 19, 2023. 8:56 AM
The MDB records a high number of views on the boundary change process
In March-April 2023, the MDB published notices in terms of section 26 of the Municipal Demarcation Act (MDA) inviting members of the public to submit views and representations on proposed municipal boundary re-determinations received from members of the public.
February 27, 2023. 12:02 PM
Public Notice
In terms of section 21 (5) of The Local Government: Municipal Demarcation Act, 1998, The MDB considered all objections lodged for Class 1 (Technical & Minor) municipal boundary redeterminations in September 2022 and has taken a decision to confirm or withdraw the redeterminations.
November 30, 2022. 9:00 AM
Women’s active participation in demarcation processes remains critical
The MDB has observed with concern that in most instances, women are not actively involved in airing their views in relation to demarcation related matters. It is for this reason that the MDB encourages women from all walks of life to take interest in and learn more about MDB processes such as the Municipal Outer Boundary Redetermination Process which is currently being implemented.
October 14, 2022. 9:43 AM
Objections period opens for Class 1 – Minor & Technical Municipal Boundary Redeterminations
The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) has considered all views and representations received from the public and resolved to redetermine the Class 1 (technical & minor) redeterminations in terms of section 21 of the Municipal Demarcation Act (MDA).
September 5, 2022. 3:51 PM
The Municipal Outer Boundary Process continues
The MDB is currently in the process of redetermining municipal boundaries. Members of the public will be given an opportunity to provide views and representations on the outer boundary process for class 2-4 redeterminations in due time.
May 10, 2022. 4:25 PM
MDB briefs Portfolio Committee on its Annual plans
The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) concluded the ward delimitation process for the 2021 Local Government Elections (LGE) in December 2020. The ward boundaries used for the 2021 LGE will only be reviewed and amended in 2024 /25.
April 25, 2022. 10:36 AM
Municipal Boundary Process gets underway
The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) concluded the ward delimitation process for the 2021 Local Government Elections (LGE) in December 2020. The ward boundaries used for the 2021 LGE will only be reviewed and amended in 2024 /25.
November 19, 2021. 12:12 PM
The MDB unpacks the Municipal outer boundary change process
The municipal outer boundary change/re-determination process is now open, and is conducted in terms of the Municipal Demarcation Act (MDA) of 1998 and other appropriate legislation enacted in terms of Chapter 7 of the Constitution.
July 21, 2021. 11:29 AM
MDB mourns the passing of Ikosi Mahlangu
The MDB is deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Ikosi Sipho Etwell Mahlangu, Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL). Being one of the MDB’s key stakeholders, , the NHTKL took part at the launch of the ward delimitation process...
June 2, 2021. 4:45 PM
Municipal wards typically change after every five years
A comparative analysis on elections from 2000 to date revealed significant changes in municipal wards after every five year cycle. In 2000 there were 3754 wards; in 2006 there were 3895 wards; in 2011 there were 4277;
March 31, 2021. 12:23 PM
Remember to download the #Knowyourwards app, as you travel to various destinations this Easter period
The MDB has developed a first of its kind #KnowYourWards App. The App is designed to assist citizens to easily locate their wards...
March 3, 2021. 2:47 PM
Know your wards for the next local government elections
In December 2020 MDB handed over the final wards to the IEC following a lengthy public consultation process.
MDB delimit wards solely to create spaces for electoral purposes...
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
The MDB is committed to conduct business with Youth Owned Companies.
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
The MDB is committed to conduct business with persons living with disabilities.
We request businesses owned by persons living with disabilities to send their proof of registration on the National Treasury’s Central Supplier Database (CSD) to: scm@demarcation.org.za
