A ward committee can be set up for each ward councillor to assist and advise the councillor and improve public participation. Ward committees can be set up in category A and B municipalities where the ward committee model is being used. Ward committees are mainly advisory committees which can make recommendations on any matter affecting the ward. The municipal council makes the rules that guide the ward committees. The rules say how the members of the ward committee will be appointed, how often ward committee meetings will take place and the circumstances under which a member of a ward committee can be told to leave the committee. The purpose of a ward committee is to:

• Get better participation from the community to inform council decisions
• Make sure that there is more effective communication between the council and the community
• Assist the ward councillor with consultation and report-back to the community
• Advise the ward councillor on issues and development in the community