Johannesburg - Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Sicelo Shiceka has proposed that a study be conducted to investigate the duties of ward councilors.
The minister said the two-day local government indaba currently underway would work around determining the minimum standards required of a ward councilor.
"After the 2011 local government elections, there must be ward councilors who are always available to the people, councilors who will engage people and provide leadership skills. Such councilors should also be able to read financial statements," he said.
He said the indaba should emerge with a sense of creating a responsive local government which is accountable, delivers services efficiently and effectively.
"If this municipal ideal can be achieved, South Africa would be a better country and people will no longer burn tyres and barricade roads as another way of addressing their demands."
City of Joburg Executive Mayor Amos Masondo said all functions that did not belong to local government should be relocated to the relevant spheres of government.
At the indaba, Shiceka released a report which reflected the state of local government in South Africa.
