Hon Watty, yes, the issues of Metsweding as a district in the east of Pretoria - Tshwane is the new term, if you want to be politically correct - were decided in 2006. The demarcation board at that time took the view and decision that the municipality or district does not justify its existence in terms of numbers or any other criteria. As we speak, the MEC in Gauteng is considering intervening in one of the municipalities, Nokeng tsa Taemane. The other municipality, Kungwini, has been investigated, and the report has been released. The management of this municipality has actually caused it to struggle and limp along. Therefore that decision was taken some time ago. But the process of engagement is ongoing.
Another municipality that might incidentally be affected if anything happens is a municipality in the Alfred Nzo district in the Eastern Cape. There are only two municipalities in that district - the Umzimvubu Local Municipality and the Matatiele Local Municipality. If the majority of the people are of the view that they want to be incorporated into KwaZulu- Natal, it means that there will be no justification for the existence of that metropolitan municipality if it has one municipality; it will have to be reconfigured in some way.
So, the two areas we have mentioned are exceptional cases. Generally the system is in place and it is moving. We are looking forward to the elections.
I want to conclude by saying that the Cabinet took a decision last week around issues of preparations for local government elections and the system which will be used. We want to share this with members of the NCOP, because issues of delimitation of wards are at the centre of what they do. Members of the NCOP are supposed to participate in these processes because, more often than not, these processes become technical; they do not involve Members of Parliament. Therefore, we want to call upon Members of Parliament to participate in this process. We will make information available so that you are able to contribute to the way wards are designed in the area where you reside. Thank you very much, Chair.
Measures to eliminate problems of municipal managers occupying positions in the majority party that are senior to Executive Mayors and Speakers of Municipal Councils
52. Mr A Watson (DA) asked the Minister for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs:
In light of the launch of Operation Clean Audit, what measures does he intend to introduce over the (a) short term and (b) long term to eliminate the problem of municipal managers occupying positions in the majority party structures that are senior to Executive Mayors and Speakers of Municipal Councils?