By Veronica Mohapeloa
tel: (012) 314-2401.

The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (NMMM) will hold the inaugural meeting of the People's Assembly on Friday, bringing together local and provincial officials to discuss local governance 'in a structured format'.

Metro Speaker Roxanne Jordaan explained that the People's Assembly was an assembly of councillors, municipal officials, ward committees and representatives of labour, national and provincial government.

Ms Jordaan explained that the People's Assembly would be convened annually to discuss all issues affecting the Metro's programme of delivery.

She said this would include the NMMM's mission, consideration of budget principles, as well as discus the many community outreach initiatives and programmes embarked upon, such as the mayoral programme.

'The essence however of the People's Assembly is to create a formal structured platform, that is as wide as possible, to afford all communities an opportunity for constructive engagement.'

Portfolio councillor Mike Xego said within each ward committee were community representatives elected directly by the people.

'By bringing together all 54 Ward Committees of the Metro under one roof, and allowing them to sit and discuss issues at the same level as their Councillors and officials, in such a formal and permanent manner, means that we are serious about consulting and engaging our communities.'

Mr Xego explained that each Ward Committee consisted of 10 persons, five of whom are elected geographically. The other five were elected from the respective sectors of business, women, education, youth, the aged and disabled for example.

Executive Mayor Nceba Faku said the Assembly should be seen as one of the many democratic programmes initiated, and which were continuing to convene on a regular and consistent basis. - BuaNews