Public Input Open: Ward Boundaries Under Review/ Sê Jou Sê: Wyksgrense Word Hersien

Karen Scheepers
May 28
4 min read

With the 2026 local government elections on the horizon, South Africa’s Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) has launched a public consultation process to review and possibly revise municipal ward boundaries across the country. For residents of Potchefstroom, this represents a key opportunity to help shape how communities are represented at municipal level.

Although the information was recently shared by Ward 25 councillor Bertus le Roux, this process affects every ward and every resident in Potchefstroom. Regardless of your location, your participation could influence decisions that impact voting districts, service delivery, and governance for years to come.

Why Are Ward Boundaries Reviewed Before Elections?

Ward boundaries aren’t fixed forever. They’re adjusted in response to:

Population growth or migration
Urban development
Shifting administrative needs

The MDB reviews ward configurations every five years to ensure fair, balanced, and effective representation. Without this process, some wards could become over-represented while others are left under-represented, undermining democracy at the local level.

This year’s consultation period runs from 07 April to 30 June 2025. That gives residents just under three months to make their voices heard before the MDB finalizes its decisions.

How Can You Participate?

Everyone is encouraged to take part in this public process. There are three ways to do so:

Attend public consultation meetings hosted by the MDB.
Submit your written suggestions via email to: registry@demarcation.org.za
Access the consultation portal for maps and tools at: https://arcg.is/1jC9nn1

The submission deadline is 30 June 2025. No proposals will be accepted after this date, so it’s crucial to act soon.

Whether you feel your current ward serves your community well or think adjustments are necessary to improve representation, this is your democratic right and responsibility, to give input.

Why This Matters to All of Potchefstroom

Ward boundary changes don’t just affect electoral logistics; they influence:

Which councillor represents you
Where and how you vote
Resource allocation and local governance

Although the reminder came from Ward 25, every resident in all wards of Potchefstroom has the same right to engage in the process. This is not about one ward, it’s about the entire municipality.

Where to Get More Information

For full details, visit the MDB website: www.demarcation.org.za

You can also:

Scan the QR code on the official notice for quick access to the portal
Call 012 342 2481
Or email: info@demarcation.org.za

Maps, criteria, and supporting documents are all publicly available.

Local Democracy Begins With Local Input

Ward boundaries may seem like abstract lines on a map, but in truth, they help define how fairly and effectively residents are served. Whether you live in Central Town, Mooivallei, Ikageng, Baillie Park, or Dassierand, your input matters.

Take a few minutes, review the options, and make your voice count.

Met die plaaslike verkiesings van 2026 in sig, het die Munisipale Afbakeningsraad (MDB) pas 'n openbare konsultasieproses begin om die bestaande munisipale wyksgrense te herevalueer. Vir inwoners van Potchefstroom is dit 'n unieke geleentheid om te help bepaal hoe gemeenskappe plaaslik verteenwoordig word.

Alhoewel die inligting gedeel is deur Wyk 25 se raadslid Bertus le Roux, is hierdie proses van toepassing op alle wyke en inwoners van Potchefstroom. Ongeag waar jy woon, kan jou deelname ‘n direkte invloed hê op toekomstige verkiesings, dienslewering en plaaslike regering.

Waarom Word Wyksgrense Hersien?

Wyksgrense verander saam met die gemeenskappe wat hulle bedien. Faktore soos:

Bevolkingsgroei
Nuwe woongebiede
Administratiewe aanpassings

… beïnvloed hoe grense afgebaken moet word. Die MDB hersien elke vyf jaar die grense om gelyke verteenwoordiging te verseker. Dit keer dat sekere wyke te veel of te min inwoners het per raadslid.

Die konsultasieproses duur van 7 April tot 30 Junie 2025, genoeg tyd vir gemeenskappe om hul sê te sê.

Hoe Kan Jy Deelneem?

Jy kan op een van drie maniere deelneem:

Woon openbare vergaderings by wat deur die MDB aangebied word.
Stuur jou skriftelike voorstelle na: registry@demarcation.org.za
Gebruik die konsultasieportaal by: https://arcg.is/1jC9nn1

Die sperdatum vir voorleggings is 30 Junie 2025. Geen laat indienings sal aanvaar word nie.

Of jy tevrede is met jou huidige wyk of dink verandering is nodig, hierdie is jou kans om plaaslike demokrasie te beïnvloed.

Waarom Dit Vir Almal in Potchefstroom Belangrik Is

Veranderinge in wyksgrense beïnvloed:

Wie jou verteenwoordig
Waar jy stem
Hoe hulpbronne versprei word

Hoewel die kennisgewing van Wyk 25 afkomstig is, is dit van toepassing op elke inwoner van Potchefstroom. Hierdie is nie 'n een- wyk saak nie, dit gaan oor die hele dorp en munisipaliteit.

Meer Inligting

Besoek die MDB se webwerf: www.demarcation.org.za

Of:

Skandeer die QR-kode in die advertensie
Skakel 012 342 2481
Stuur e-pos na info@demarcation.org.za

Al die kaarte, kriteria en riglyne is aanlyn beskikbaar.

Begin Plaaslike Demokrasie met Jou Inset

Wyksgrense is nie net lyne op 'n kaart nie, hulle beïnvloed hoe effektief jy en jou bure verteenwoordig word. Of jy in Mooivallei of Ikageng woon, jou stem saak.

Doen vandag jou deel. Sê jou sê. Bou saam aan ‘n regverdige toekoms.

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