A community learning and capacity building programme run by the Steenberg Community Forum (SCF) is empowering residents in the work of local government.
Peter Martin, chair of the Steenberg Community Forum, says many residents do not know their rights or how sub-councils and ward committees work.
“My view is that people don’t understand wards and sub-councils, so in this presentation, we explain who the government is, the administration and also that there are 21 sub councils, 21 areas and also the wards and ward committees because the community needs to be involved.
“As soon as we establish a need anywhere in sub council 18, then we will liaise with those residents.”
The community capacity programme, which began last year, includes workshops where residents learned about the government system and the role community plays.
“The problem we experience is that the community doesn’t know their rights and how to access programmes.
“We then explain to them that you can also for example apply to be a ward rep for your community.
We take them through the legislation and constitution.
While they feel there is a need now then we explain the process. We help them with their draft legislation until they are formed and constituted and registered.
Then we focus on the programmes.”
Martin, who is a SETA training facilitator and registered as a training assessor, hopes to reach more interested residents and communities.
“We want to reach out to more people because we feel people are not aware.
“We want to encourage communities to be part of the initiative, we will train them and empower them.”
- For more information contact Martin on 084 697 8619.
