Friday, 17 July 2015


Join The Rainbow Activist Alliance Groups

Theme: 67 Minutes of Promoting Safe,

Clean and Healthy Public Spaces in

Our Townships

Come join the Rainbow Activist Alliance (RAA) members with community members in 5 townships (Daveyton, Tembisa, SOWETO, Ratanda and Tsakane) in Gauteng on Mandela Day in cleaning public spaces that the municipalities have neglected in maintaining.  Due to this neglect, some of these spaces have become hazardous spaces for women and children and are used as spots for criminal activities.

The RAA groups’ main purpose in cleaning these spaces is to remind the local government of their responsibilities to community members and decrease opportunities for crime to be committed in public spaces.  We want an end to bodies of lesbians (Daveyton - Patricia Mashego; SOWETO - Saloome & Sizakele; Tsakane/ Kwatema - Noxolo Nogwaza; Tokoza – Nokuthula Radebe, amongst others) and other women and children being dumped in these spaces.

Roles and Responsibilities within Local Government

The constitutional objectives with respect to local government include the provision of democratic and accountable government for local communities and the encouragement of the involvement of communities and community organisations in the matters of local government, as well as the promotion of a safe and healthy environment.

The Constitution further states that, amongst others, local municipalities are responsible for:

·         cleansing
·         local amenities
·         local sport facilities
·         municipal parks and recreation
·         public places
·         refuse removal, refuse dumps and solid waste disposal
·         street lighting
·         Decisions around land use
·         Building regulations (including the inspection and regulation of building sites and run-down and abandoned buildings)
·         Storm water management systems in built–up areas

The Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, No. 117 of 1998 requires the council to annually review its overall performance in achieving the constitutional objectives, meeting the needs of the community and its organisational and delivery mechanisms for meeting the needs of the community, as well as its processes for involving the community.

We call for local government to take responsibility by acknowledging and ensuring that these efforts be maintained moving forward.
 
For more information Contact:

Phindi Malaza - Programmes Manager at phindi_malaza@yahoo.com/
Siphokazi Nombande - Advocacy Coordinator at Siphokazi.nombande@gmail.com

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