Honourable Speaker, the ACDP welcomes the amendments to the Independent Municipal Demarcation Authority Bill, particularly those aimed at strengthening the independence, impartiality, transparency and accountability of the demarcation authority.
However, this Bill must not detract from serious allegations concerning the Demarcation Board’s conduct and decisions.
Municipal demarcation is not a mere administrative exercise. It determines boundaries that profoundly affect communities, service delivery, political representation and the allocation of public resources. These decisions must therefore be objective, lawful, and firmly grounded in the Constitution.
The ACDP is deeply concerned by allegations of political interference, inadequate consultation, inconsistent application of criteria, and flawed boundary determinations.
Such allegations cannot simply be ignored or swept under the carpet. They demand credible investigation, accountability and, where wrongdoing is established, consequences must follow.
The requirement that the demarcation authority must act independently, impartially and without fear, favour, or prejudice, must be more than legislative language. It must be demonstrated in every decision.
The ACDP also welcomes stronger vetting and screening of Board members, including scrutiny of qualifications and restrictions on recent political office holders.
Public confidence must be earned. Communities must know that their voices genuinely matter and that boundaries are determined by objective criteria, not political interest.
As Kingdom Builders, the ACDP calls for a demarcation process that is transparent, independent, lawful, and beyond political manipulation.
Thank you, Speaker.
