19/06/2026
AZAPO Pledge No. 10 for the people of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
People's Power and Participatory Democracy
For too long, residents of Nelson Mandela Bay have only been consulted during elections and forgotten thereafter. AZAPO believes that real democracy means that communities must participate directly in the decisions that affect their daily lives. We are committed to building a municipality where power belongs to the people, not politicians and bureaucrats.
Our Commitment to the People of Nelson Mandela Bay:
✅ Re-establish Ward People's Councils;
Create democratic Ward People's Councils in every ward to work alongside elected councillors.
Ensure communities have a direct voice in planning, development, and service delivery.
Hold regular public meetings where residents can raise concerns and propose solutions.
✅ Participatory Budgeting;
Give residents the power to decide how a portion of municipal budgets is spent in their wards.
Allow communities to prioritise projects such as roads, parks, libraries, sports facilities, street lighting, and sanitation.
Ensure transparent and accountable use of public funds.
✅ People's Performance Scorecard:
Introduce annual community assessments of councillors, municipal departments, and senior officials.
Publish performance results for public scrutiny.
Reward excellence and hold poor-performing officials accountable.
✅ Strengthen Community Partnerships;
Work closely with civic organisations, residents' associations, traditional leaders, youth structures, women's organisations, churches, mosques, and other faith-based institutions.
Build a united front for development and social cohesion across Nelson Mandela Bay.
✅ Open and Transparent Governance:
Hold quarterly Mayor's and Municipal Management Accountability Forums.
Publish municipal decisions, budgets, and project progress reports in accessible formats.
Create easy-to-use platforms for residents to submit complaints, suggestions, and service delivery concerns.
What This Means for Residents:
AZAPO's vision is simple:
No decision about the people without the people.
We will transform Nelson Mandela Bay into a municipality where communities actively participate in governance, monitor service delivery, influence budgets, and help shape the future of their neighbourhoods.
Vote AZAPO for a City that Works Every Day, for Everyone.
People's Power. Participatory Democracy. Community Control
