Merger of municipalities of Tlokwe and Ventersdorp continues unabated
The recent judgement of the Constitutional Court to set aside the outcome of the by-elections held in 2013, does not in any way, affect the amalgamation of Tlokwe and Ventersdorp local municipalities. In terms of Section 25 of the Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, the municipality is to have fresh by-elections in 7 wards in Tlokwe within 90 days as the per the court judgement.
Acting MEC for Local Government and Human Settlements, Wendy Nelson said although the two processes (by-elections and amalgamation) are not related they will run parallel. She said immediately after the Municipal Demarcation Board made the pronouncement on the re-determination of municipal boundaries of Tlokwe and Ventersdorp local municipalities, technical and political committees comprising of representatives of all three levels of government were established to drive the amalgamation process.
“Whilst we welcome the Constitutional Court judgement, we would also like the residents of both Tlokwe and Ventersdorp local municipalities know that the by-election process will in no way stop the amalgamation process. The fact is, come the local government election next year, we will have one municipality that would have been made up of Tlokwe and Ventersdorp local municipalities,’’ she said.
Enquiries:
Ben Bole
Cell: 071 566 1399
E-mail: msbole@nwpg.gov.za
