Search is on for new borders board

Cooperative governance and traditional affairs minister Zweli Mkhize is looking for suitably qualified individuals to serve as members of the Municipal Demarcation Board.

Successful applicants will be responsible for determining municipal boundaries, which is among the board’s key responsibilities.

Mkhize’s spokesman Legadima Leso said applications will close on August 17 to allow enough time for the selection process. The five-year term of office for the new board begins on February 20 2019.

Suitable candidates will have the job of:

● Facilitating a system in which municipal and ward boundaries enhance the quality of life of communities overall.

Towards the 2016 elections, the board recommended that ward 50 in Buffalo City Metro incorporate parts of Great Kei municipality with the aim that these rural communities would benefit by gaining access to basic infrastructure such as electricity and piped water; and

● Providing advisory services in municipal boundary matters to state entities and other stakeholders.

Candidates should therefore be knowledgeable on municipal and ward boundary matters. Leso said useful areas of expertise included local government or civic engagement with it, development economics, integrated development planning, community development and knowledge of the legislation governing the board’s work.