Chairperson, ward committees that are activist in character, that are convened on a regular basis by their chairpersons and that have an understanding of the material conditions in the wards where they live are the government watchdogs on the ground. Their role is vital as they experience service delivery in real time.
We, as elected representatives, must ensure that all the people of this soccer-loving nation are afforded the opportunity to participate in and have influence on the workings of the local government where they live. I would therefore like to ask the Minister: When drawing up his plans, has he considered what action should be taken against any councillors who fail to implement legislation that enables public participation?
The motto of the National Assembly is "We, the people", and we, as a collective, have the responsibility to ensure that power is in the hands of all the people. Amandla! [Power!]
HON MEMBERS: Awethu! [To the people!] [Applause.]