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Current Wave of Protests in Municipalities: Causes and Solutions

This report examines the recent increase in protests in municipalities and identifies the key reasons behind them, including poor governance, communication challenges, and inadequate service delivery. It also offers suggestions for addressing these issues and improving the situation.

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Current Wave of Protests in Municipalities: Causes and Solutions

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  1. PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON PROVINCIAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT20 November 2007 CURRENT WAVE OF PROTESTS IN MUNICIPALITIES

  2. BACKGROUND • Country experiencing upsurge of protests. • At municipal level – community protests initially broke out in the late 2004 but only in two provinces namely, the Free State & North West. • Protests intensified in run up to and post March 2006 local government elections. • Motivation for Protests range from cross-boundary, service delivery and local administration to intra-party squabbles. • Increase in violent elements resulting in criminal activities.

  3. DISCUSSION What is the source of these protests? Research indicates that the following reasons have been cited as key ingredients to protests: • Poor governance • Individual political struggles • Poor communication • Poor service delivery • Lack of public participation (ineffective client interface) • Lack of financial management • Lack of youth development • Deficient management / ill advised appointments • Intergovernmental responsibilities

  4. National Synopsis: State of Municipal Protests

  5. National Synopsis: State of Municipal Protests (Cont.)

  6. National Synopsis: State of Municipal Protests (Cont.)

  7. National Synopsis: State of Municipal Protests (Cont.)

  8. National Synopsis: State of Municipal Protests (Cont.)

  9. Context of Protests

  10. Context of Protests (cont.) Other service delivery achievements… • Access to Free Basic Water increased from 68% (2005) to 74% (2006); • Government housing construction 1.9 million (1994-2006); • Households receiving Free Basic Services from municipalities:- - 69% Water; - 52% Electricity; - 51% Sanitation; and - 53% Solid Waste Management.

  11. Key Observations The following key observations emanate giving rise to Protests:- • Communication challenges between government and communities – Solution: District Communication Forums are well oiled to respond. • Though not all protests related to poor service delivery, there are service delivery concerns that need to be attended to, with municipalities engaging in community participation initiatives. • Some of the issues raised pertain to municipal internal administrative processes. • Holistic approach to communicating service delivery. • The role played by both former and current Councillors. • Lack of key competencies around dispute resolution by Councillors. • Large number of new councillors (close to 60%). • Unfunded mandates to local government.

  12. Key Observations The role of the Media • Through irresponsible coverage the media has also added to challenges; • “News worthy items” – negative developments within local government deemed very news worthy, barely any positive coverage SALGA Proposals:- • Intensify effective and proactive communication both electronic and print media; • Address misinformation by profiling practical programmes • Communicate the remedial and corrective plans • Build partnerships with respectable community leaders • Inculcating responsible use of legitimate processes and institutions (structures) for grievances.

  13. Steps taken by SALGA to access the causative factors • Consulted with partners (DPLG, GCIS) in the National Tripartite Committee on Local Government Communications (NTC); • Technical Team led by the CEO of GCIS visited North West province on a two days fact finding mission; • SALGA NEC embarked on provincial interaction and engagement with targeted districts and local municipalities (first held in Mpumalanga in October 2007, next scheduled for 3 December 2007 in Gauteng); • Engaged the South African Human Rights Commission and Public Protector with the view to having joint initiatives.

  14. Steps taken by SALGA to access the causative factors • In delivering on the Key Performance Areas outlined for SALGA in the 5YLGSA, decided to increase and intensify support to political leadership in municipalities. • As part of SALGA’s new 5 Year Strategic Plan to establish a Governance Support Unit whose central role will be to assist municipalities that have chronic governance problems. • Raised concerns and made specific proposals as part of Comments on Policy Review Process specifically around the powers & functions of municipalities.

  15. Thank You

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