By Correspondent
A research by a South African scholar has revealed shocking statistics that the majority of South Africa councillors lack basic literacy skills.
Dr Nonhlanhla Ngcobo, a lecturer in the Faculty of Law at North-West University has since recommended that standards for the office be changed.
“South Africa must urgently adopt a minimum requirement of a Grade 12 (Matric) certificate for all councillors.
“(This is) to equip them with the essential skills for leadership and administration.
Ngcobo says the overwhelming majority of councillors lack basic literacy skills.
“(It’s) a fact publicly confirmed by the minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), who revealed that over 300 councillors in KwaZulu-Natal alone are illiterate.
“This alarming reality is a direct threat to effective governance and service delivery across municipalities nationwide.
She added that Councillors bear the responsibility of making complex decisions involving policy formulation, budget analysis, and oversight of municipal officials.
These tasks require fundamental reading, writing, and comprehension abilities.
“The absence of minimum educational qualifications for councillors undermines the capacity of local government and jeopardises the ambitious reforms proposed by the White Paper review,” she added.
South Africa is set to hold local government elections in 2026.
No Qualifications In Zimbabwe
The issue of qualifications has previously been raised in Zimbabwe but was trashed by many.
To be a councillor in Zimbabwe, you must be a registered Zimbabwean voter aged 21 or over.
One must also be the owner or tenant of property in the constituency they wish to represent for at least 12 months before nomination.
Critics argue that this has contributed to widespread mismanagement and ineffective leadership in both urban and rural councils.
In 2022 Cabinet approved a legal framework that would allow Government to introduce minimum qualifications for councillors.
However, there has been no traction on the Bill since then.
