The City of Joburg in Region C held a successful Civic Education meeting at Tshepisong Community Centre on Saturday, 08 February 2025. The meeting brought together committee representatives from wards 128, 129, and 50 to engage with City officials on various service delivery and governance matters.
Chair of Chairs in the Legislature Cllr Adolphus Marema chaired the meeting and warmly welcomed all attendees.
“We have started with our first round of City of Joburg 2025 Civic Education meetings here in Region C at Tshepisong. As we engage with you, we expect to hear about different service delivery issues you may be facing. Additionally, we are here to help you understand how the City operates. Please allow us today to engage with you as the legislature arm,” said Cllr Marema.
The Speaker of Council, Cllr Nobuhle Mthembu, provided a comprehensive explanation of the legislative arm of the Council and its role within the communities. “We are here today to educate you on how the Council functions and our respective roles. The Council is divided into two arms: the executive arm and the legislature arm. As the Council Speaker, I lead the legislature.
“Additionally, we have the Chief Whip, Cllr Nkosephayo Zungu, the Chair of Chairs, Cllr Marema, and 10 other councillors serving as Chairpersons of Section 79 portfolio committees, who conduct oversight on community issues and projects. Please feel free to approach them with any service delivery concerns,” said Cllr Mthembu.
She emphasized the legislature’s responsibility to uphold residents’ rights and urged communities to be aware of their rights and responsibilities. She further encouraged ward committees to collaborate closely with ward councillors and to report any misconduct by ward councillors to the Chief Whip of Council, Cllr Zungu.
During the meeting, ward committee members raised concerns about participation in Council meetings and various service delivery challenges, including inadequate stormwater drainage systems in flood-prone areas and stalled city projects that remain surveyed but see no further progress.
Cllr Mthembu and Cllr Marema addressed some of the questions raised, assuring the attendees that these concerns would be presented to the executive arm, which is responsible for implementing solutions and ensuring service delivery in communities.
Additional Civic Education meetings across all regions of the city to further engage residents and enhance public awareness about governance and service delivery.