The Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has noted with grave concern this week’s media reports about a councillor who has failed to attend several compulsory council meetings in a KwaZulu-Natal municipality.
The Ministry maintains that all municipal councillors are expected to, at all times, conduct themselves in the best interest of local communities and municipal councils they represent. The unauthorised absence in council meetings by councillors is grossly irresponsible and undermines the trust entrusted to councillors by local communities.
The Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and its partners in the local government sector has put in place regulations and provided training to ensure that councillors understand their responsibilities and public expectation.
The attention of all councillors is drawn to the Code of Conduct for Councillors as outlined in the Local Government Systems Act No.32 of 2000. The Act states that a councillor must attend all meetings of the municipal council except when:
- A leave of absence is granted in terms of the rules of each council.
- A councillor is excused from a council meeting in terms of the Code of Conduct.
The Ministry is adamant that the business of municipal councils must not be compromised by a lack of discipline or any other improper conduct by individuals in councils.
Enquiries:
Mpho Lekgoro
Cell: 071 607 3081
