Office of the Chief Whip

The Office of the Chief Whip was established on 18 October 2002 by the Minister of Provincial and Local Government to create synergy and maintain discipline among councillors of various political parties in provincial and local government. The role of the Chief Whip of Council covers both the political and administrative domains of Council, with an emphasis on the political aspect.

Whip is elected by Council and is a full time councillor.

The following functions are delegated by Council to the Whip of Council, in terms of national conventions on the duties and functions of the Whippery.
The Whip of Council is required to::

• Provide political accountability and ensure that all councillors are accountable to their wards and political parties;
• Intervene in disputes between communities and councillors;
• determining, prior to Council meetings, items on the agenda which political parties may wish to discuss and advising the Speaker accordingly;
• assist with the smooth running of Council meetings by
• Ensuring that Councillors adhere to the speaking times allocated to their political parties
• Assisting the Speaker to maintain order in Council by requiring Councillors to adhere to the Rules of Council regarding general conduct in meetings.
• Ensure that Councillors observe the Code of Conduct for Councillors in any meetings, workshops or seminars approved by the Speaker.