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Community participation – lessons learned from Maluti a Phofung and Matjhabeng Municipalities Facilitator: Ms Elizabeth Sithole Presenters: Ms Susan Ferguson Mr George Moahloli Councillor TV Matsepe, Speaker of Matjhabeng Councillor Mme Mammie Leeu, Speaker of Maluti a Phofung Mr Mofokeng Mothinya Mr Mohlabane Molefe Introduction: Ms Elizabeth Sithole • Format of the session • Introduction of participants Introduction: Ms Susan Ferguson • Purpose of the session • Brief intro of both activities The legislative framework: Councillor Matsepe, Speaker of Matjhabeng • Section 73 of the Municipal Structures Act (establishment of ward committees) • Section 74 of the Municipal Structures Act (function and powers of ward committees) • Section 16 (1), Municipal Systems Act: Municipality must: 1. Encourage and create the conditions for the local community to participate in the affairs of the municipality 2. Contribute to building the capacity of the local community 3. Use its resources to annually allocate funds in its budget What is public participation?: George Moahloli and Elizabeth Sithole George: Community participation refers to arrangements for communities to participate in the processes used to make good policy and to deliver on programs and services. It covers a broad spectrum of interactions, ranging from one way information sharing, to two-way consultation and active participation in decision making processes. A democratic process of engaging people within specific geographic areas in thinking, deciding, planning, implementing, and monitoring the development and operation of services that affect their lives. A PROCESS and not an end in itself!! Involving the community: Elizabeth •Representation in coordinating committee •Partnership between municipality, service providers and communities •Broad representation of communities •Planning for meetings •Meeting with communities •Deciding on a way forward What is public participation?: George Moahloli Information Sharing (eg. Awareness activities and programmes) • Accuracy and relevance of the information. • Appropriateness of the information and delivery mechanism for the target audience • Equity of access to the information. • Target audience evaluation of the usefulness and suitability of the information measured against the information’s objectives. What is public participation?: George Moahloli Consultation (eg. Ward committees, public forums) • Level of Community involvement in the activity • Level of satisfaction with the process. • Sufficiency of time and resources allocated to the activity. • The effectiveness and appropriateness of feedback throughout the consultation process. • The extent to which the consultation outcome informed decision making. What is public participation?: George Moahloli Active Participation (deliberative processes, ward committees and partnerships) • The effectiveness of Government-community deliberative networks. • The extent to which the capacity of citizens to engage is strengthened. • The extent to which participants fulfil their roles and responsibilities. • Increased community understanding of government processes. Arnstein’s Ladder of citizen participation Problems of non-participation: Cllr Mme Mammie Leeu • ‘Triple c’ confusion, conflict, chaos • Loss of confidence in the council • Withdrawal of support for municipal structures • Passive participation and non/participation • People don’t own the developments Benefits of public participation: Cllr Mme Mammie Leeu • ‘the people shall govern’ Freedom Charter • Minimises and eliminates destructive conflict • Creation of a supportive environment • Community can deal with problems constructively • Destructive elements don’t get support from others • Sense of dignity and self confidence What do you think? Mr Mofokeng Mothinya • Those of you who work in municipalities, how do you involve the community in your business? • What are the difficulties you face in involving the community? • What works for you and what does not? What I learnt: Mr Mofokeng Mothinya • People were not involved at the beginning of water meter process so lack of understanding • Incorrect assumptions in community about water metre installation • Payment of rates: •Employed people find it difficult to pay cash; flat rate deducted from salaries •Wanted to pay but quality of services not satisfactory • Public participation: •Learnt protocols necessary to connect with municipality and how ward committees worked •Municipality and community very interested in learning how to connect more Public participation scenario: Mr Mohlabane Molefe • An example of public participation e.g. the water meter installation in Maluti a Phofung. • What would you do to include the community in this case? • How would you work with ward committees to include them in this process? What WE did: Mr Mohlabane Molefe • Identification of stakeholders in the wards • Office of the speaker role • Identified different ways of consulting the community • Convened meetings to give feedback to communities Snapshot of participation in Maluti a Phofung: Ms Elizabeth Sithole • Build on current applicable policies and legislations • Start where the municipality is • Address practical service delivery issues: practice vs hypothetical situations Involving local advisors: Ms Elizabeth Sithole • • • • • Identify local advisers Agree on definition and approach Train, support and mentor Build on strengths Joint allocation of responsibilities Use Municipal structures: Ms Elizabeth Sithole • Identify structures with leadership, i.e. councillors and officials • Train and support • Thorough preparations for public meetings Public meeting: Ms Elizabeth Sithole • • • • • Ensure wide representation Council to lead discussions Mayor to give overview Speaker to facilitate Officials to provide technical information as may be required • Public meeting provides avenue for showing the solidarity among council reps How ward committee system in Matjhabeng would include community: Mr George Moahloli • Conduct a public awareness program • Allocate members to portfolio committees of the council • Deployment of ward committees to various activities within the wards • Make sure members are visible within the community • Allocate responsibilities to members for awareness campaign • Capture reports from members within ward committee meetings Workshop questions: Ms Elizabeth Sithole • Are there lessons, information or products from these two activities that have made a difference? • If so, what are three things that we can do to make this difference last? Questions: Mme Mammie Leeu • Mme Leeu to facilitate question time Wrap up: Cllr TV Matsepe • Brief summary and impressions of workshop The end www.asalgp.co.za