Building capacity for civil society to participate in local government performance
- Do you know when your municipality decides how money will be spent — and how communities can give input?
- If your community has a service delivery problem, do you know which municipal plans or documents to check first?
- Have you heard of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC)? Do you know what it does?
- Do you know where to find information on your municipality’s budget, spending, or tenders — and how to use it?
- If you suspect corruption in your municipality, do you know what steps you can take and who you can report it to?
What is the problem?
Good local government requires an active civil society to promote citizen participation and hold municipalities accountable. Civil society organisations (CSOs) try to improve accountability and represent community needs, but they often don’t have enough information, resources, or knowledge of how local government works. This makes it difficult for them to monitor performance or challenge poor decision-making. Strengthening CSOs’ ability to engage effectively with municipalities is essential for improving local service delivery and supporting stronger local democracy.
What is the programme about?
This programme will train CSO leaders to better understand and monitor how local government works. The training includes 5 short courses in two Western Cape municipalities. The topics will cover: (1) how local government is structured and what the law requires; (2) how IDPs and budgets are developed and how spending can be tracked; (3) how to monitor basic services (4) public safety; and (5) how procurement works and promoting integrity.
What will participants get?
Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how municipalities make decisions and spend money; learn practical tools to monitor services and budgets; feel more confident engaging with officials and community structures; be better equipped to speak up for community needs; and receive a Record of Participation for professional growth.
Who should attend?
Leaders and staff of community organisations and local NGOs; activists and community representatives involved in service delivery issues; people working on public participation, community forums, or local advocacy; and CSO leaders working in or engaging with municipalities in the Western Cape.
Training resources
Good local governance depends on an active community. While the municipality is responsible for creating an enabling environment for effective community participation in local government, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) must be equipped to take the lead in mobilising the community to participate in local government and to ensure municipalities are held accountable for their performance.
Many CSOs and CBOs struggle to effectively monitor municipal performance or challenge poor decision-making because of a lack of crucial information, resources, or knowledge about the local government system. This gap weakens service delivery and local democracy.
These Factsheets are designed to close that gap. They serve as an essential training resource to strengthen your organisation’s ability to engage with municipalities effectively. The series covers five core topics critical for local engagement: 1) Local Government Structures and Systems; 2) Community participation in the IDP and Budget process 3) Service Delivery; 4) Community Safety; and 5) Anti-Corruption and Integrity.
Enquiries
Enquiries may be directed to Ms Crystal Nitsckie.
Email: doi@uwc.ac.za
Dullah Omar Institute
University of the Western Cape,
Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, RSA
Tel: +27 21 959 2950/2951
This project is supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), managed by the High Commission of Canada in South Africa.