By Bronwyn M Singh
It’s not only high profile cities that have a woman in the highest seat of power, according to Statistics SA three of South Africa’s eight metropolitan municipalities were headed by female mayors in 2017. A recent scan through the data revealed that 107 of 257 municipalities, that is four in every ten, had a female mayor in 2017, according to Stats SA’s latest non-financial census of municipalities report.
Limpopo is the shining star with 59% of its municipalities in the province having a woman at the helm. KwaZulu-Natal still has a long way to go, with only 28% of the municipalities in the province having a female mayor in 2017. According to the statistics, South Africa, as a whole, has done well when it comes to tackling gender equity on a national government level. The country had lagged when it came to appointing women to senior positions in the cities, an issue now partially addressed following the municipal elections last November.
Taking the lead at the top of the crop in the province is Amajuba District Municipality Mayor, Councillor Veronica Vuselwa Bam, who has been gaining momentum by putting the needs of the community first. Mayor Bam hosted a three-day Public Consultation Roadshow as she tabled the 2022/2023 Draft Budget, which was a resounding success in the district. The Roadshow was hosted along with councillors and senior management under the theme ‘Siqinisekisa Ukuthembeka Emphakathini – We ensure Integrity in Our Community’ and offered the community an opportunity to voice opinions and give input on service delivery matters.
The IDP informs the Budget as the strategic plan of the municipality, which covers how the community and stakeholders groupings can anticipate the delivery of services from the municipality over the next three to five years. Guided by that very legislation, the Amajuba District Municipality held their consultative meetings with residents and stakeholders from the district.
The Roadshow kicked off at the Dorothy Nyembe Community Hall in Dannhauser where Mayor Bam was joined by the local Mayor SE Kunene. Some of the highlights of the budget included the fact that the municipality had incurred a deficit of R22 230 791 for the 2021/2022 financial year, and that the municipality is planning to improve by having a funded budget. Registered and indigent households receive 6 kilo-litres of free water per month. The Income Budget has been compiled based on projected billing, however, provision has been made for percentage collection through the provision for funds for the impairment of debtors. Addressing these meetings, Mayor Bam reminded those in attendance that the municipality is not doing them a favour by consulting them, but it is rather legislated.
“You elected us because you trust us and have a belief that we are capable to assist with ensuring that service delivery is seen at every corner of your district. By us coming to you like this, we are not just ticking the boxes, but we are guided by the legislations that you should be consulted and we take this process very seriously,” said Mayor Bam.
She further stated that the views of the community will assist in the finalisation of the budget and the IDP according to the needs of the people. Some of the main concerns which were brought up and taken note of were youth development, employment creation, water infrastructure challenges as well as contribution towards local talent development. Many are said to be pleased with the outcome of the Roadshows and look forward to the positive changes within the community.
