Date: 04/09/2003
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government
Title: Dowry: Opening of workshop on ward committees, Western Cape


EXTRACTS FROM A SPEECH AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF A WORKSHOP ON WARD COMMITTEES BY COBUS DOWRY, WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, Nuy valley near Worcester, 4 September 2003

(This workshop is organised by the Department of Local Government and WECLOGO, and is attended by Mayors, municipal managers and councillors.)

- Appointment of consultants to develop a framework to guide local and metropolitan municipalities in determining a fair, equitable and affordable tax on agricultural land -

Although there are various roles contemplated for ward committees once it is established in the Western Cape an additional proposal should be considered for the role and function of ward committees. Municipalities in the rural areas will at some stage be confronted with the issue of tax on agricultural land. A confrontation, as occurred in other provinces, can be avoided if ward committees, together with organized agriculture are involved from the start in the consultation process in the determination of an agricultural land tax base. To do otherwise will undoubtedly lead to confrontation.

Whilst on this subject - My department is now in the process of appointing two extremely capable consultants to work in conjunction with some municipalities to develop a framework to guide local and metropolitan municipalities in determining a fair, equitable and affordable tax on agricultural land as an integral component of the local tax base as contemplated in Section 229 of the Constitution.

This study will determine principles and parameters that will:

* Support uniformity in the setting of rates on agricultural land;
* Align systems/methodologies for setting of agricultural rates;
* Provide for comparability and benchmarking; and
* Provide for a robust and sustainable approach.

This project will be undertaken over the next two months and will involve MR JC Ackron (Public Economist from the School of Public Management and Planning at the University of Stellenbosch) and Prof N Vink (Agricultural Economist from the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Stellenbosch)

Ward committees in the Western Cape will be a next step in Developmental Local Government that will ensure that local governments provide access for communities to basic services. Developmental local government means that there is opportunity for everyone to participate in decision making and planning. Developmental local government means that there is growth in the local community, that local human resources are adequately utilized to improve the quality of life for all. We have now the ideal opportunity to plan for tomorrow and for the future. I wish you all the best in your deliberations during this workshop.

Enquiries: Jan Bosman, Ministry of Local Government, Tel: Direct (021) 483-4798 or Office (021) 483-4466
Fax: (021) 483-3888, Cell: 083-7755-312, E-mail: jbosman@pawc.wcape.gov.za
Issued by the Western Cape Provincial Government, 4 September 2003