1. Practical Tools To Strengthen Civic Engagements
12 March 2019

2. Presentation Layout Background Purpose of Study Legislative Framework
Current Tools for Civic Engagements
Challenges Facing CVIC Engagements
Suggestions for Enhanced Civic engagements

3. Background
Local government have made significant progress in creating a firm foundation for equal society
The Involvement of citizens in government processes has been one of the major failures of democracy in developing countries
Government institutions have a responsibility to create platforms for citizens to engage on issues affecting them
Failure of civic engagement platforms and tools have contributed to the widening communication gap between stakeholders in local government

4. Legislative Framework
Constitution
MSA 117 of 1998
MSA 32 of 2000
MFMA
MDA
MPRA
Local Gov Bulletin
Local Government
Citizens

5. Current tools for Civic Engagements
Municipal Council
Ward Committees
Municipal Public Accounts
Accountability Tools
(AGSA, Annual Report)
Community Engagements
IDP process
SDBIP
Municipal Budgets

6. Challenges facing Civic Engagements
Municipal Council
The inability of municipalities to financially sustain themselves;
The lack of capacity to deliver constant and regular services; and
The failure of officials to comply with regulations
Ward Committees
Lack of skills by committee members
Lack of impact on the decisions of municipalities
Representation in ward committees
Municipal Public Accounts Committees
Lack of specific legislation outlining the role and mandate of MPACs
Lack of political will for speakers to hold executive accountable
Inadequate human and financial resources with no support from speakers
Reluctance by mayors and some accounting officers to appear before MPACs and be held accountable

7. Suggestions to Enhance Civic engagements
Review current legislation on civic engagements
Develop customised engagement frameworks and policies
Initiate relevant engament tools

8. Suggested engagement tools
Civic Engagements
Feedback Mechanisms
E-participation platforms
Opinion Polls 1
CBOs, NGOs, Faith Based 2
Ward Committees 3
Municipal Imbizos

9. Thank You