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Comment on the City’s draft Capacity Development Policy for Councillors

We are in the process of developing a Capacity Development Policy for Councillors, and we want to hear from you.

Comment Period: 1 November - 30 November 2024

Phases

Phases overview

Phase 1: Comment on the City’s draft Capacity Development Policy for Councillors

Comment on the City’s draft Capacity Development Policy for Councillors

1 November 2024 22:00 - 1 December 2024 22:00

-Purpose

We are required, in terms of national legislation, to develop a Capacity Development Policy for Councillors. The implementation of the policy aims to guide and enable our Councillors to:

perform their various roles with enhanced efficiency and effectiveness;
improve service delivery for the people of Cape Town; and
achieve our goal of a Well-Run City.

Outcomes

The desired outcomes of the policy include:

Increasing the capacity of City Councillors to fulfil their duties;
Introducing a unique Skills Development Plan and a Personal Development Plan for each Councillor so that they can fulfil their various roles; and
ensuring that the City complies with national guidelines and criteria for skills development of Councillors.

At the beginning of a new term, all councillors will be required to complete a Personal Development Plan and provide an annual update as and when they acquire new skills. By investing in the capacity development of our Councillors, we hope to see a tangible return on investment for the City and the community.

In terms of section 17 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, Act 32 of 2000, you can submit comments to the municipality in respect of the draft revised policy.

Access the draft Capacity Development Policy for Councillors

You can also access the information at:

City libraries
Subcouncil offices
In the document downloads section below

Contact us

For more information and general enquiries about the draft policy, contact:

James Van As

Telephone:

021 400 1224

Email:

James.vanAs@capetown.gov.za

Draft Capacity Development Policy for Councillors.pdf

(626.9 KB)

3 issues

Bevan Booysen2 years ago Strengths of the Policy Enhanced Councillor Efficiency and Effectiveness By equipping councilors with the necessary skills and training, the policy could improve decision-making and governance. This directly benefits citizens by ensuring that elected representatives are better prepared to address complex issues and navigate legislative responsibilities. Improved Service Delivery An emphasis on capacity building aims to bridge knowledge and skill gaps among councilors, potentially resulting in more strategic and informed decisions that positively affect service delivery. Citizens could experience more timely and efficient municipal services. Accountability and Professional Growth The introduction of Personal Development Plans (PDPs) and annual updates creates a structured approach to councilor development. This accountability mechanism ensures continuous growth and alignment with community needs, benefiting residents by fostering a culture of responsiveness and adaptability among councilors. Compliance with National Guidelines Aligning the policy with national standards ensures that the City's efforts are comprehensive and in line with broader legislative goals. This standardization benefits citizens by promoting equitable and consistent service delivery across municipalities. Focus on Long-Term Impact By treating councilors' skills development as an investment, the policy emphasizes long-term improvements in governance and public trust. Tangible outcomes such as better policies, enhanced public engagement, and streamlined processes could result. Considerations and Potential Drawbacks Implementation Challenges Effective execution of this policy requires significant resources, including funding, training programs, and monitoring mechanisms. If not adequately supported, the policy may fail to produce meaningful outcomes for citizens. Real Impact vs. Administrative Exercise While annual updates and PDPs create a framework for development, there is a risk that these may become tick-box exercises rather than genuine tools for growth. Citizens may not see direct benefits unless the policy ensures measurable improvements. Equity in Capacity Building The policy should ensure that all councilors, regardless of their backgrounds or existing competencies, receive equitable access to development opportunities. A failure in this regard could result in uneven service delivery across wards. Public Awareness and Engagement Citizens must be informed about how councilors' capacity development translates into better governance. Transparency and regular updates on the policy's impact are essential to maintain public trust and demonstrate its value. Conclusion If implemented with transparency, sufficient resources, and a focus on measurable outcomes, the Capacity Development Policy for Councillors has the potential to significantly benefit citizens. It promises better governance, improved service delivery, and enhanced councilor accountability. However, the City must prioritize monitoring, public communication, and equitable implementation to realize these benefits in practice.

David Byers2 years ago

Sean Crookson2 years ago I have seen this over the years. A councillor decides to do something and does not consult with the community before doing so. Only two weeks ago our councillor decided to remove the green refuse bins from the roads. He had a request from a single person on a tiny group of 30 members. He called the City of CT department and TOLD them to do it. Now the rubbish blows down the street. We should be very wary of giving a councillor more power because they tend to abuse their position already. If one disagrees with our councillor one gets cancelled. i.e.. removed from groups or ignored.

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Comment on the City’s draft Capacity Development Policy for Councillors

Phases