By Emily Setona
HARRISMITH – Community leaders are calling on the Maluti-a-Phofung municipality to ensure that residents are informed well in advance about public participation meetings, to ensure active participation.
According to Section 152(1)(e) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996), local governments are mandated to encourage community involvement in local governance. In upholding this constitutional directive, Council Speaker Mandlenkosi Dlamini held public meetings on 13 December in Ward 1 constituencies, including Makgolokoeng, Tshiame B, C, D, and Linda Mkhonto.
“Public participation is an important pillar in strengthening democracy in local government,” stated Dlamini during the meeting.
He went on to urge all ward councillors to consistently hold community meetings, as they are crucial platforms for exchanging information between residents and councillors. This interaction fosters deeper democracy, responsibility, and accountability within the municipality.
Dlamini also reminded local residents to register their spaza shops and electricity meters promptly, cautioning them against waiting until the deadline.
Notwithstanding these efforts, some community members expressed dissatisfaction with how the meetings were communicated.
Traditional leader Morena Ernest Moloi shared his concerns during an interview with this publication:
“As an office, we did not receive an official notice or invitation about the meeting. We only became aware of it through the hailer announcements. The focus was on the water project currently underway in Kholokoe. Public participation is very important, and communities need to be informed in time so everyone can attend,” Moloi said.
Council speaker Mandlenkosi Dlamini during public participation meeting in greater Harrismith communities.
Moloi stressed that timely communication is essential for ensuring inclusive attendance and meaningful participation in such meetings.
Public participation is a cornerstone of local governance, enhancing democracy by ensuring that all community members have a voice in decisions affecting their lives. Proper communication and timely notifications are essential to foster transparency, accountability, and trust between municipalities and residents.
