Real development and transformation will occur, only when local communities finally take the lead and shrug-off their dependency syndrome.
This was sentiment shared by many panelists during the recent virtual discussion on the 21st October 2020, which was held under the theme “Promoting participatory democracy through community-based planning”.
The discussion was held as part of the Urban Festival dialogue series, which was hosted by the Speaker of Council Cllr Nonceba Molwele, South African Cities Network, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Civic Tech Innovation Network, Open Cities Lab, Wits Journalism and Media Lab, Future Cities and other partners.
“Real development lies with the people, development must be community led, government must always remember that they are participants; and that the community should be the driver of the development and not the other way around. We should form partnership with the community, we must never underestimate the community,” said the University of Johannesburg Professor Hanna Nel.
Prof Nel said it was time for the citizenry development approach, whereby people will take up the ownership of their future.
The Speaker of Council Cllr Nonceba Molwele warned against the local government led development, which ultimately leave communities behind.
“We are a democratic society and because of this, we must ensure that in all that we endeavor to do, especially as Local Government, we do not leave our communities behind. The success of participatory democracy lies in the meaningful participation of the citizenry,” said Cllr Molwele.
Cllr Molwele said the Constitution dictates that local government must provide democratic and accountable government for local communities; ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner; and encourage the involvement of communities.
“One thing that Covid-19 has forced us to do, is to get out of our comfort zones. Citizens are demonstrating that they are not willing to wait for the government for things to happen. They have become impatient with us. Their expectations of us are nothing less than a well thought out, sustainable manner of delivering services that adequately address their needs,” added Cllr Molwele.
Mike Makwela from Planact said local government needed to reflect and ask if indeed communities are the ones driving their own development agenda.
“We have fallen into the trap of doing consultation with communities, whereby we select what we want to hear and what we don’t want to hear. The young people in Alexandra had told us that when we call public meetings, we don’t think about them. I don’t think many communities even know the difference between IDP (Integrated Development Plan) and the Budget process,” said Makwela
Makwela said over the years, many communities have become reluctant to attend community meetings which are convened by municipalities. The trend which has been observed in municipalities across the country.
“Does participation translate into accountability? What is the incentive for participation? Does it even matter?” asked Makwela.
Kgomotso Papo, one of the residents, urged the City to put in place the consultation process which is inclusive of all citizens including children.
Going into the future, Dr Johannah Keikelame advocated for the Community Based Planning approach, which she said it empowers citizens to participate in decision-making regarding their own development.
Issued by the City of Johannesburg
Spokesperson for the Speaker of Council: Sipho Masigo, 068 040 9431
For all media queries, send an email to siphomasi@joburg.org.za
