The eThekwini Municipality’s ward committee quarterly assessment outcome between October and December 2025 has revealed that 65 ward committees are not functional. This was announced by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) at a council meeting.
The assessment report was presented by the Speaker in the municipality, Councillor Thabani Nyawose, on February 3, 2026. According to Nyawose, the assessment outcome indicated that 46 committees were deemed functional, while the remainder, 65, were considered non-functional.
Ward Committee Functionality
The common reasons for the non-functionality of the ward committees were not specified, but the municipality has stated that it will communicate the assessment outcome to all ward councillors to address the issues. Ward committees are established by law to foster participatory governance, enabling the local community to engage with the municipality’s affairs.
Importance of Ward Committees
Ward committees play a crucial role in providing input and feedback on the municipality’s programmes, plans, budget, and performance. They are essential for ensuring that the municipality is accountable to its citizens and that the needs of the community are addressed.
The eThekwini Municipality currently has 111 wards, but this will expand to 112 wards for the 2026 local government elections following a Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) process. The municipality plans to enhance its land invasion unit’s security in preparation for the elections.
For more information on the eThekwini Municipality’s ward committees, visit the eThekwini Municipality website. The municipality’s ward committee quarterly assessment outcome can also be found on the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs website.
- Ward committees are established by law to foster participatory governance.
- They enable the local community to engage with the municipality’s affairs.
- Ward committees provide input and feedback on the municipality’s programmes, plans, budget, and performance.
The functionality of ward committees is crucial for ensuring that the municipality is accountable to its citizens. The eThekwini Municipality must address the issues that are preventing the 65 non-functional ward committees from operating effectively.
