Rapid population growth in parts of Cape Town has led to the creation of a new municipal ward, a move aimed at improving representation and maintaining effective governance.
The new ward will cover West Beach, the northern part of Sunningdale, Sandown Estate and the new development areas, as well as most of Parklands.
Local councillor Jonathan Mills confirmed that the decision was taken by the independent Municipal Demarcation Board, in line with legal requirements governing ward sizes.
“The decision to create a new ward was made by the Demarcation Board, which is an independent body. There is a legal maximum for the size of a ward and so the population growth in the area meant that a new ward was required,” he explained. “Specifically the number of registered voters in an area for the national and provincial elections is used.”
Despite concerns that boundary changes could disrupt services, Mills reassured residents that most municipal services would continue as normal.
“Most service delivery will not be affected as they work on large areas which include multiple wards,” he said. “However, there are some ward-specific services which will be expanded to provide those services to the new ward – these include the new metro police, neighbourhood security officer units and ward allocation budgets.”
He added that residents in the newly demarcated area would benefit from more direct representation.
“Residents will also have an additional councillor specifically for that new area to help deal with municipal issues and escalations.”
Changes kick in after elections
The new ward will officially come into effect immediately after the next local government elections, with voters in the affected area set to elect their own councillor.
“The new ward will come into existence on the first day after the elections take place. Political parties will be campaigning for the new ward and voters within the new ward boundaries will vote for the new ward’s councillor,” Mills said. “The IEC will declare the new ward councillor as part of the election results.”
Looking ahead, Mills expressed optimism about the impact of the change.
“I look forward to working with the new councillor and believe this will help us ensure proper oversight and delivery of city services in our rapidly expanding corner of Cape Town,” he said.
Ward 104 by-election confirmed
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) in the Western Cape will conduct a by-election in Ward 104 of the City of Cape Town on Wednesday 25 March, following the resignation of the ward councillor.
A total of seven candidates will contest the by-election:
- African National Congress (ANC) – Bulelwa Mayende
- African Transformation Movement (ATM) – Zibonele Michael Caji
- Democratic Alliance (DA) – Sinovuyo Miranda Dyokwe
- Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) – Mabhuti Tshitiza
- Organic Humanity Movement – Khotso Lebaleng
- South African Communist Party (SACP) – Mxeleli Eric Mtheli
- Truth and Solidarity Movement – Mehmet Vefa Dag
Ward 104 has 18 852 registered voters.
Special voting will take place tomorrow (Tuesday 24 March) between 08:00 and 17:00 for approved applicants, including home visits for those unable to travel.
On voting day, Wednesday 25 March, stations will be open from 07:00 to 21:00, with voters in the queue at closing time still permitted to vote.
Residents must present a valid green barcoded ID, smart ID card, or temporary identity certificate to cast their vote.
Voting stations will be located at several sites across Dunoon, including community centres, schools, churches and halls.
Voters can confirm their registration status online or via SMS through IEC platforms.
