COGTA Minister, Mr Pravin Gordhan, welcomes the release of the redetermination of the municipal boundaries by the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB).
This is pursuant to the Minister’s request to MDB early this year, in terms of Section 22 of the Municipal Demarcation Act, 1998 (Act 27 of 1998), to determine and re-determine the boundaries of various municipalities which have been found to be financially nonviable.
Last year, COGTA undertook an assessment of all municipalities across the country, the results of which indicated, among others, that about a third of municipalities are dysfunctional whilst the other third is at risk. Further, the assessment also found that several municipalities are not financially viable due to their geographic location and on the concomitant tax or revenue base. Often, the financial viability in municipalities correlated with the inability of such municipalities to provide services to their communities and the right quality of standard in a consistent basis.
“We congratulate the MDB on the timely release of this report ahead of the 2016 local government elections. This report indicates a possible reduction in the number of nonviable municipalities,” says Minister Gordhan. He further states that “this is the initial phase of dealing with municipalities that are nonviable, and that a further process to assess other municipalities will follow immediately after the 2016 local government elections.”
The Minister supports the Board’s intention to publish in various Provincial Gazettes the determination and re-determination of municipal boundaries in various provinces, and that all interested parties should submit their representations to the Board within 30 days. The Board will thereafter consider the representations that may be received; upon which it can either confirm, vary or withdraw its determinations, and thereafter publish final determinations in the respective Provincial Gazettes.
Minister Gordhan acknowledges MDB’s effort as an independent body empowered by the legislation to determine and re-determine the municipal boundaries. He further appreciates the democratic process that has been followed and that all entrusted parties are being given 30 days to comment.
Media enquiries:
Tsakani Baloyi
Cell: 082 052 0892
