STATEMENT AND COMMUNICATION BY THE SPEAKER
“SALGA Speaker’s Forum Report Back to Council”
Good morning, Alderman, Councillors, Municipal Manager, and Officials.
As I mentioned in previous council meetings, it is vital that I provide feedback on our council’s performance from and through various compliance programmes and oversight platforms.
Today, I will focus on the SALGA Speaker’s Forum, which took place on the 12th and 13th of March 2025.
This Speaker’s forum addressed crucial updates, including new legislation, rules, and policy related matters that affect our decision-making.
These discussions were framed within the context of key legislative frameworks such as:
· The Local Government Structures Act (LGSA)
· The Municipal Structures Act (MSA)
· The Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA)
· Breaches of the Code of Conduct
As the Speaker, I find it vital to ensure that our council is informed of these updates and that we adhere to best practices.
Let me now provide a summary of the key points discussed during the forum and their implications to workshop, discuss and adopt.
1. Approval of Upper Limits
One of the key points discussed was the fiduciary accountability regarding municipalities consider its financial position.
Such municipalities will not receive approval from the MEC for upper limits or backdated payments.
This underlines the importance of maintaining balanced financial management to ensure the municipality’s long-term sustainability and transparency.
2. Threat Assessments and Municipal Protection for Councillors
We were informed that there are different practices across provinces with regards to threat assessments for councillors.
In some provinces, like the Western Cape, threat assessments continue to be conducted, whereas others, such as the SAPS, have decided to discontinue them.
This inconsistency poses challenges, and it is crucial that we address this matter to ensure the safety of all councillors.
In life-threatening situations involving councillors, a municipality is required to provide immediate protection until the police complete a threat assessment.
As Speaker, I am mandated and authorised through law to investigate the validity of any threat before deciding on the necessary actions.
Protection must only be provided if there is a specific threat, not just a suspicion – as the safety of councillors must always be prioritized.
4. Amendment of Rules of Order
It was highlighted that our current Rules of Order is outdated, and it needs to be reviewed.
A workshop to discuss the proposed amendments will be held on 10 April 2025.
The goal is to bring the amendments to the April Council Meeting for consideration.
This is an important step in ensuring that our processes are efficient, effective, and in line with current local government legislative reformance and governance requirements.
5. Attendance and Absenteeism of Councillors
A key topic was the attendance of councillors.
Councillors who miss three (3) consecutive council meetings without approval from the Speaker will face removal from council.
This provision will be incorporated into the amended Rules of Order, ensuring accountability in attendance and participation.
6. Adjournment of Meetings
It was emphasised that a Speaker or a Portfolio Committee Chairperson cannot adjourn a meeting at the start.
According to Section 6, Subsection 10 of the Rules of Order, a meeting may only be adjourned if there is no quorum or as outlined in other provisions of the by-law.
This ensures that meetings proceed efficiently and are not delayed unnecessarily.
7. Review of Ward Committee Policy
The Ward Committee Policy is currently under review, with updates planned to better address current challenges and enhance community involvement.
This review will ensure that the ward committees remain responsive to the needs of our communities.
8. Sector and Ward Councillor Feedback Meetings
Councillors are encouraged to hold regular sector report feedback and ward councillor update meetings.
In light of challenges with physical meetings, alternative venues such as alternate between areas in the WARD that are closer to affected citizens to include constructive engagement.
This allows us to remain connected with our residents while exploring innovative ways to improve communication and be accessible and accountable to the residents we serve.
It was noted that Community Development Workers (CDWs) can play an important role in distributing information.
Pamphlet dropping to the public through community, social and economic development initiatives and projects; and further to strengthen intergovernmental relations and support interventions.
This will also assist to enhance the reach of our communication efforts and ensure broader community engagement.
10. Feedback on Project Progress
Transparency and regular updates on project progress are essential.
We must keep the community informed on the status of projects identified in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP).
Providing feedback ensures that communities remain informed and that trust in the council is maintained.
11. Ward Committee Structure Adjustments
Policies should be flexible and agile enough to allow adjustments in the structure of ward committees to better address changing circumstances and the evolving needs of our communities.
12. Ward Committee Meetings and Quorum
The proposed policy update will allow ward committee meetings to proceed without a quorum, ensuring that essential discussions and decisions are not delayed.
Rules of Order – Key Points to Note
While the updated Rules of Order are still under review, all councillors must continue to adhere to the current rules to ensure the smooth and effective operation of our meetings. I would like to highlight some of the most critical elements of the current Rules of Order:
1. Authority of the Council The Council is the highest authority within the municipality. It is crucial to remember that this is not the role of the Speaker or the Executive Mayor alone, but of all councillors. We must all respect the collective authority of the council.
2. Notice of Council Meetings (Section 6, Subsection 4) The Municipal Manager is responsible for giving notice of council meetings to both councillors and the public at least five working days in advance. The wording of “at least five working days” will be reviewed during the rule amendments for clarity.
3. Leave of Absence (Section 9) Councillors must submit written requests for leave of absence at least 72 hours before a meeting or provide a medical certificate as necessary. This ensures proper planning and accountability in council participation.
4. Conduct at Meetings (Section 19) All councillors, municipal officials, and members of the public must maintain order and decorum. This means refraining from using offensive language, making defamatory remarks, or engaging in personal attacks. The goal is to maintain a respectful and professional environment in every meeting.
5. Debate Limitations (Section 21, Subsection 9) Councillors are expected to restrict debates and points of order to the subject at hand. Each councillor should speak for no more than five minutes, unless permitted by the Speaker.
6. Relevance of Speech (Section 22, Subsection 1) It is vital that speeches remain relevant to the agenda items being discussed. Only those matters outlined in the agenda should be debated. We must ensure that our time and focus are used productively.
7. Points of Order (Section 23) Points of order must be raised only when applicable. They should not be used simply to take the floor or divert the conversation from the main agenda items.
In conclusion, let us reflect on our actions and ensure that everything we do here serves the greater good of our communities.
Thank you for your attention, and let’s continue to work together to make decisions that will improve the lives of our residents and the future of our municipality.
I thank you.