Wards
Cape Town is divided into 116 areas, called wards. Wards are groups of neighbouring suburbs that are managed together, which allow the City to manage service delivery successfully for all residents.
Ward outreach meetings
We hold community engagement meetings in each ward to provide feedback on approved projects and programmes.
Ward councillors
Every five years, you can vote for a councillor to represent your ward. Your ward councillor represents you regardless of your political affiliation.
Ward councillors are members of your
subcouncil and the Council committee. They need to be in touch with you regularly to respond to what is happening in your community, as well as to allocate funding for ward projects.
What is the difference between a ward councillor and a PR councillor?
| Ward councillor | PR councillor |
|---|
| Can run as either an independent or as a member of a political party | Always a member of a political party |
| Elected by voters in their ward | Not elected by voters but assigned to a ward by their political party |
| Chairperson of the ward committee | Assigned by Council to serve on a subcouncil |
| Assigned by the Speaker and their party to serve on a ward committee in an advisory role with no voting powers |
All councillors are bound by a
Code of Conduct. Read about the rules and codes of conduct for ward councillors:
According to the Declaration of Interests law, all councillors must
declare their financial interests within two months of being elected. It is important to complete the declaration to prevent conflicts of interest.
Ward committees
Ward committees are direct links between communities and the
City Council. Up to 10 people serve on the ward committee and may receive a stipend from the City to cover expenses. Membership should represent all the ward's residents and registered community-based organisations.
Ward committees meet at least every second month. They communicate regularly with the community to determine their needs and priorities. Priority issues are taken to the subcouncil for consideration.
The ward councillor serves as the chairperson of the ward committee. A Proportional Representation (PR) councillor and a
Junior City Council (JCC) member are also allocated to the ward committee in advisory roles with no voting powers.
Attend a ward committee meeting
Did you know that you can attend all ward committee meetings? If you would like to raise an important issue at the next ward committee meeting, contact your ward councillor or
subcouncil manager.
Ward allocation projects
Each financial year, every subcouncil is allocated a budget per ward for ward allocation projects. After communicating with the community for their input, ward committees submit project plans to the subcouncil for approval. The subcouncil reviews the plans and submits it to Council for final approval.
Council’s decisions are based on the ward's greatest needs, or where projects will have the biggest impact. If you have a suggestion for a ward project, contact your ward committee, ward councillor or subcouncil manager.
Current ward allocation projects.
Community-based organisations
Community-based organisations (CBOs) are voluntary organisations that are made up of residents and represent groups with common interests or goals. If you want to have a say in improving your community, start or join a registered CBO.
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