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.
The MDB is entering the next phase of the Municipal Outer Boundary Redetermination Process where all citizens are expected to actively be involved to keep abreast with demarcation issues impacting their areas. The process for Class 2-4 municipal boundary redeterminations will take place next year (2023) and citizens will be required to participate in accordance with the timelines that will be provided. Moreover, during April 2023, the MDB will embark on public meetings whereby citizens would be expected to make their views and representation on demarcation cases which affect them.
Class 2-4 categories are as follows:
- Class 2, Consolidation and Annexations – This is a medium scale boundary re-determination that may impact on a sizable geographic area, and number of voters in one or all the municipalities affected. This type of determination may impact on ward arrangements but will not materially impact on the capacities of the affected municipalities to deliver services.
- Class 3, Amalgamations – This type of re-determination entails a major and large-scale municipal boundary re-determination which will have a significant impact on the geographic areas, the number of voters, and the capacities of the affected municipalities, the re-determination includes the merging of adjacent municipalities or the splitting of municipal areas to create other municipal areas.
- Class 4, Categorization – This is a type of re-determination that involves the categorisation of any new Category A Metropolitan, Category C District and Category B Local municipalities with or without boundary changes; Category A must satisfy Section 2 of the MSA and Section 24 and 25 of the Act respectively; the Board will categorise an area that qualify to be a category A municipalities after consultation with National Minister responsible for local government, the MEC for local government in the provinces concerned, and SALGA.
It should be noted that demarcation processes are time-bound therefore being involved at the right time is important to ensure that your concerns are adequately addressed in line with a comprehensive set of criteria set out in Sections 24 and 25 of the Municipal Demarcation Act for municipal outer boundary redeterminations.
Get in touch with your provincial co-ordinators to assist with any questions related to your respective areas.
Provincial Co-ordinators are as follows:
• Mr Mthobisi Manzini – KwaZulu Natal Province
• Ms Ayanda Ntamo – Eastern Cape Province
• Mr Tshifhiwa Nethanani – Limpopo Province
• Mr Smiso Dlamini – Northern Cape Province
• Ms Liz Mazibuko – North West Province
• Mr Fazel Hoosen – Free State Province
• Mr Daniel Sebake – Gauteng Province
• Ms Naomi Ramokgopa – Western Cape Province
• Ms Hester Marais – Mpumalanga Province
For more information on how you can be involved, kindly contact the MDB on (+27)12 342 2481 or visit the website, www.demarcation.org.za