The importance of local government

On November 1, South Africans will vote for their local councillors. Regardless of the choice of candidate or party, this elected leadership is going to serve municipalities deliver and operate in an accountable, transparent and productive manner.

Local governments have an important role to play as everything within our streets, suburbs, and daily living is associated to the work done in our local municipal and mayor’s office. Quality service delivery is in the hands of the municipality.

Local government, and by extension, local councillors are responsible for area, ward and municipal services from waste management and recycling to water, streetlights, maintenance of roads, traffic policing and much more. It is not only the collection of rates and taxes that municipalities are responsible for, they are answerable for almost everything around the city and neighbourhoods.

If service delivery and sound governance is the objective, mission and vision of voters, then elect local representative that value such callings and aims. Ward councillors are representatives of the residents of a ward and we should elect them on merit.

Elections provide voters with the opportunity to choose representatives that will exemplify and fulfil their obligations, duties and functions. Therefore voting requires a careful and informed choice.

It is up to active citizens, ratepayers and voters to demand high standards from councillors and municipalities. Elected representatives are accountable to voters and ratepayers. Express your choice wisely.