Selloane Ntshonyane
The City of Johannesburg is calling on residents to nominate independent professionals to serve on its Municipal Planning Tribunal (MPT).
The tribunal hears objections and makes decisions about how land is used and developed across the city.
These decisions affect ordinary residents every day, from where new housing is built, to how businesses are approved, and even how neighbourhoods are protected.
The City says the MPT is key to ensuring that land use decisions are fair, transparent, and objective.
The MMCfor Development Planning, Eunice Mgcina, said the nominations process will strengthen public trust.
“Our call for these nominations is an important step in objectively and transparently facilitating fair decision-making in matters submitted to the Tribunal,” she said.
She added that the first external members, appointed in 2024, are already doing great work in handling cases quickly and with professionalism.
The City is looking for qualified people from professions such as town and spatial planning, the built environment, land use management, engineering, development, and the legal field.
Nominations will close on 17 September this year.
Details on how to submit nominations will be available on the City of Johannesburg website, social media pages, and customer service centres.
Successful candidates will serve a non-renewable five-year term and receive payment according to National Treasury rules.
The City is urging residents to participate so that planning decisions remain in the hands of independent experts working for the good of Joburg.
