1st Quarter Seminar 2008

Topic:    Understanding the Local Government Budgeting Process

Date: 14th March 2008
Venue: Health Resource Centre, East London
Time: 08h30 to 14h30

08h45 – 09h15 REGISTRATION

09h15 – 09h30 Mr Bonginkosi Masiwa (Chairperson) Opening and welcome
Background, objectives and purpose of the Seminar

09h30 – 10h00 Mr Justice Mahlala (Department of Provincial and Local Government)
An Overview and Legislative background for community participation in South Africa - Unpacking the Municipal Budgeting Process with special focus on input from the public

• Lessons learnt by the DPLG about community participation since 1994.
• Current challenges with regards to community participatio.

10h00 – 10h30 Ms Lena May (Ward 11 Councillor, Makana Municipality)

• Ward Committees’ role and experiences in the Budgeting Process
• When and how ward committees give input to the budgeting process

10h30 – 11h10 Discussion (Q&A)

11h10 – 11h30 TEA

11h30 – 12h00 Cllr Sivuyile Mkebe (Amathole District Municipality)

• Ways of improving community participation in the Budgeting Process.
• The experiences of various municipalities under Amathole Distict Municipality.
• The role of the DM in broadening and deepening participation in municipal processes.

12h00 – 12h30 Mr Charles Pellew/Mr Ian Crooks (Port Alfred Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association)

• How civil society in Ndlambe has been engaging the municipality on financial accountability and other such issues.
• Itemised IDP & Budget allocations (or lack of thereof) as per the Ndlambe experience over the years
• How has community participation in municipal processes been in Ndlambe over the years?

12h30 – 13h00 Discussion (Q&A)

13h00 – 13h40 Plenary discussion

13h40 – 13h45 Wrap-up and Way Forward

13h45 – 14h30 LUNCH