Eastern Cape Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Zolile Williams launched a new Public Participation Forum on Thursday in Gqeberha.
The forum aims to improve communication between municipalities and residents and to give people more involvement in government decisions.
Williams said it is vital for people to participate in their elected government.
“People no longer trust the government,” he said, mentioning a recent study that showed public trust in the government has dropped by 40%.
Williams believes that trust can be rebuilt if the government communicates better with communities.
He said the programme would help prevent conflicts between traditional leaders and ward councillors, as traditional leaders often feel left out of councillors’ decisions.
“This programme will bring the government closer to the people and help end the fighting,” Williams said.
He criticised mayors and municipal managers for not engaging with the public, saying they spend too much time in their offices and don’t listen to community concerns.
Chief Gwazinamba Matanzima, deputy chairperson of the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders, supports the programme.
He said it is time for ordinary people to be included in government decisions.
“The time for the people to govern has come.”
The event ended with mayors and municipal managers signing a memorandum of understanding.
Pictured above: MEC Zolile Williams signs a memorandum of understanding with Nelson Mandela Bay executive mayor Gary van Niekerk.
Source: Anita Dangazele
