Public participation is the engagement of individuals with various structures and institutions of democracy including; voting, contacting a political representative, campaigning and lobbying, taking part in consultations e.g. Integrated Development Plan (IDP), and demonstrations. It affords community members an opportunity to influence decisions that affect their lives by giving meaningful inputs. Community engagements can transform and ensure sustainable provision of services in that community.
Elim community members gathered on the 14th of May at Waterval Community Hall for a Public Participation and Accountability campaign facilitated by Vumbanani for Peacebuilding Community Advice Office (VFP). Participants learnt that community engagements increases transparency, helps initiatives run smoothly and create a sense of community ownership.
Service delivery is one of the issues that Elim has been fighting of late. Looking at the access to clean water and decent sanitation challenges that community members have been facing for more than 20 years back, poor service delivery does not do justice to people’s lives in many aspects as it affects and infringes basic human rights such as the right to access clean water and the right to a clean environment. This has seen many people eager to participate and amplify their voices through such platforms.
Packed with more than 150 participants, the campaign was a success as Makhado Municipality IDP person, Mr Mudau and the IEC Regional Manager, Mr Mobbie addressed the crowd. Many questions and concerns were raised, and some resolutions made. The impact of the gathering was sound, hence some challenges were immediately taken into consideration by the local municipality. One of those is the bridge in Shikuhele that had bared learners from attending school due to its flooding. The municipality promised community members that it is going to build a new bridge within 3 months time, and people were satisfied as they await action.
