The City of Cape Town’s Corporate Services Portfolio Committee recently received a status report on the number of public participation processes undertaken in the past three years.
The report shows that there has been meaningful growth in the level of public participation in City decision-making, since a policy in this regard was adopted in 2009.
“This City has committed itself to involving its residents in decision-making and to taking their opinions into account as far as is possible. The status report shows we have come a long way in achieving this strategic goal,” says Alderman Demetri Qually, Mayoral Committee Member for Corporate Services.
Since 2009/10, close on 106 000 people have participated in processes organised by the City’s Public Participation Unit. In 2009/10, 4 132 residents participated, in 2010/11, 56 557 residents participated and in 2011/12, 45 168 residents participated.
“The 2010/11 figure was higher as a result of the World Cup, and the local government elections had an impact on the 2011/12 figure,” explains Alderman Qually.
The most basic form of public participation is the use of printed media, but the need to move from compliance public participation to meaningful participation has translated into the exploration of additional tools to expand, and improve the quality and reach of participation. The City now also makes use of social media, ‘have your say’ surveys, pre-drafting surveys, post participation surveys and door-to-door surveys.
Public participation surveys were conducted for 23 processes, including the following:
- Amendments to the Credit Control and Debt Collection By-law
- Cape Town Spatial Development Framework
- Cape Town Zoning Scheme
- Early Childhood Development Policy
- MyCiTi Routes and Services for Camps Bay, Sea Point and City Bowl
- Proposed street renaming
“The City sincerely thanks residents who have made their voices heard over the past three years. They have helped us make better decisions, for everybody that lives in and works in Cape Town,” concludes Alderman Qually.
