The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Zweli Mkhize has acknowledged the contribution and hard work of the outgoing members of the Municipal Demarcation Board, (MDB) whose term ends tomorrow, 19 February 2019.
The Municipal Demarcation Board (the Board) was established in terms of Section 3 of the Demarcation Act and its functions are to determine municipal boundaries and render advisory services in matters provided in the Demarcation Act. Other functions of the Board are provided in the Local Government Structures Act, Act 17 of 1998 which is to delimit municipal wards and conduct the capacity assessment of district and local municipalities to enable the MECs of local government to allocate powers and functions.
“The MDB, was born out of the mission was to collapse race, class and other prejudicial considerations that informed the configuration of the erstwhile apartheid municipalities. The old municipalities replicated apartheid inequalities in the distribution of resources and provision of services in favour of advantaged communities,” said Minister Mkhize.
The Minister has congratulated the outgoing Chairperson, Ms Jane Thupana, and fellow Board members.
“As the MDB reached a milestone of 20 years in service of the people of this country his year, the outgoing Board members have guided the work of this entity to ensure that it deals effectively with disputes that arise as a result of its work and to ensure that it plays its role in deepening democracy and citizen participation through robust engagement with all stakeholders with regard to demarcation issues, and through their efforts in reversing the apartheid spatial demarcation patterns.
Despite the challenges experienced along the way, through the support of the MDB amongst other important institutions, this country has overseen five successful local government elections and we applaud this important feat. We take this moment to congratulate the outgoing Board for their devoted service through challenging times,” Minister Mkhize said.
The Board is appointed by the President of the Republic. The Minister established an independent Selection panel on 06 April 2018, in line with section 8(1) (b) of the Act, mandated to conduct the recruitment and selection of persons and or candidates to be recommended to the President for appointment for a period of five years.
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