Petition to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)
Formal Request: Reduction of Wards in Lenasia from Three (Wards 8, 9, and 10) to Two

[Compiled by Shireen Ebrahim, Lenasia Community Activist, Resident, Business Owner]

Dear Lenasians, join us in signing this petition to be presented to the IEC.

Date: 13 May 2025

We, the concerned Residents, Businesses, Civic representatives, Organisations, and Stakeholders of the Lenasia Community, respectfully petition the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) to reduce the number of wards in Lenasia from three (Wards 8, 9, and 10) to two. This petition is a response to governance inefficiencies, the erosion of service delivery, economic impact, voter disempowerment (confusion and apathy), geographical challenges and unsustainable infrastructure planning, and the fragmentation of Lenasia’s unique multicultural identity.

Reasons for Ward Reduction

1. Service Delivery Issues:

Fragmented ward boundaries cause major disruptions in service delivery, especially in business districts, residential areas and informal settlements. Unified wards will allow for more focused budgeting and streamlined infrastructure responses.

2. Geographical and Infrastructure Fragmentation:

Highways and artificial ward lines divide communities, leaving key assets like the Lenasia police station, stadium, and schools split across jurisdictions, reducing efficiency and service coordination.

3. Voter Confusion and Apathy:

Residents are unsure of their voting stations and councillors. The inclusion of unrelated zones like Veggieland, Lawley, and Precast has led to disengagement, voter suppression, and reduced turnout.

4. Ratepayer Burden and Economic Impact:

Extensions 1–13 contribute the majority of municipal revenue. These formal sectors are now forced to share budgets with high-need, non-ratepaying areas, straining limited resources and discouraging investment.

5. Lack of Transparency and Participation:

The demarcation process was not adequately participatory. Communities were not consulted meaningfully, violating the spirit of the Municipal Structures Act. There is concern that ward lines were drawn to serve political interests.

6. Inadequate Representation and Governance Confusion:

Multiple councillors now share duties in the CBD and emergency precincts, leading to miscommunication, inaction, and planning paralysis in times of crisis or during major projects.

7. Cultural and Historical Erosion:

Lenasia’s identity—as a historically Indian township turned inclusive multicultural zone—is endangered by ward fragmentation. Consolidation supports the preservation of this heritage.

8. Environmental and Spatial Planning:

Rapid growth in informal areas along the N12, without aligned zoning and environmental consideration, risks unregulated sprawl. A two-ward model will support integrated planning and sustainable development.

9. Non-Racial, Needs-Based Design:

This proposal avoids racial division and promotes unity. Wards will be inclusive of both formal and informal residents, representing a shared need for fairness, planning logic, and community integrity.

Proposed Structures

Ward A and Ward B (Formal and Informal – Mixed): This structure includes Lenasia Extensions 1–13, the CBD, formal residential and business precincts, educational and civic zones, as well as informal settlements such as Thembelihle, and Nanas Farm.

This design supports logical planning, fair resource distribution, racial and geographic integration, and stronger representation for all.

Our Request
We urge the IEC and MDB to:
✔ Reduce Lenasia’s wards from three to two;
✔ Improve service delivery, emergency response, and spatial planning;
✔ Rebuild trust and restore democratic engagement;
✔ Protect the multicultural and historical character of Lenasia.

Submitted by:

Concerned residents, civic activists, local businesses, and community stakeholders from Lenasia and surrounding areas.

Additional points to consider-

National Precedents and Community-Based Demarcation
Across South Africa, numerous communities have raised similar concerns about ineffective ward boundaries and petitioned for realignment to improve service delivery, enhance local governance, and protect community identity. These examples further justify our request for ward consolidation in Lenasia:

• Khutsong (Gauteng/North West Border Shift):

In 2005, the government shifted Khutsong from Gauteng to the North West Province. Residents opposed this, citing poor service delivery and governance risks. Protests and civil unrest followed until the decision was reversed in 2009, returning Khutsong to Gauteng. This demonstrated the power of organized community resistance to flawed demarcation.

• Vuwani (Limpopo Province):

The 2015 merger of Vuwani’s wards into a new municipality sparked intense community backlash due to fears of neglect and reduced services. The protests highlighted the importance of transparent, community-led demarcation processes.

• oThongathi (KwaZulu-Natal):

Proposals to transfer wards out of eThekwini Municipality led to concern about the economic and service delivery impacts. Residents called for meaningful consultation and transparent evaluation of governance needs before making changes.

These precedents confirm that community consultation, equitable representation, and clear service delivery logic are central to effective municipal demarcation. Our request for ward reduction in Lenasia aligns with these values and reflects a proactive, lawful approach to improving governance in our community.