Civil society groups need your support

Are you a member of a local neighbourhood watch or perhaps the ratepayer’s association? Are these organisations still relevant today?

Both bodies have experienced times of strength and weakness over the years. Many residents now live in gated communities with their own residents’ associations.

However, in recent months attendance of ratepayers’ and neighbourhood watch meetings have been increasing – mostly because residents are concerned about crime and services.

What has come to light in these meetings is that many people do not fully understand the function of these groups.

Too often the meetings lose their way after one or more person stands up and asks: ‘But what am I actually getting out of this?’

Ballito Neighbourhood Watch (BNW) chairman Gary Frances says the BNW is a voluntary community organisation of people with shared values, who live and work together to make this a safer place.

“We aim to provide a consolidated form of accurate information and assistance to residents, whether it be crime or socio-economic influences, with the aim of building a responsive close-knit community.”

He says one of their biggest challenges is maintaining a paying membership.

“People do not really want to join the BNW. They are more interested in assisting, or reactively getting assistance, when incidents happen and crime spikes. Another challenge we have is the ability to communicate with everyone, but this is something we are working on improving with our cluster project this year.”

The BNW gives members the opportunity to share information and take action when suspicious activities are spotted.

Frances said they do not believe neighbourhood watches have lost any of their relevance.

“The Community Policing Forum (CPF) has tried several times to get going but without success. BNW, however, has remained over the years with our foremost objective being the safety of residents. We have grown in numbers over the past few years.”

Meanwhile the Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (DOCRRA) has had a difficult few years and, up until their recent emergency meeting, was considering calling it a day. However, the turnout and feedback convinced them to keep going.

“With the fast-paced growth of our town, there will inevitably be change with time, but as a community we have to engage in the ongoing change if we are to protect its unique character,” said DOCRRA’s Penny Fourie.

She says they face many challenges but will continue to give their best for the people they represent.

“Local government expenditure, rate increases and the need for greater transparency, accountability and efficiency in the delivery of local government services will be our core focus.”

A ratepayers’ association is the perfect platform to raise the concerns of the community in order for municipal officials to address them. The intent of DOCRRA is to work with council and local government for the betterment of the community.

“No other organisation has the official and legal mandate to do this,” said Fourie.

Ward councilor Malcolm Hubner disagrees with this however, saying that DOCRRA is recognised by municipality in much the same way that neighbourhood watches are recognised.

“If they want to address council, they have to apply the same as any other group.”

Hubner said that council had not heard a peep out of DOCRRA for at least two years.

“There does need to be an association that represents ratepayers to municipality and DOCRRA should be that association. Before I was elected as a councilor I was on the committee for the ratepayers association.”

Fourie further says that while DOCRRA have struggled for a few years, they have elected a new committee and have gone through a tech metamorphosis.

“If fully supported, DOCRRA will work in tandem with the UIP and other civic groups to ensure quality service delivery in all sectors. If the association has limited public support, it will achieve very little.

“It is important for everyone to understand that DOCRRA represents their best hope of keeping rates increases in check, and looking after their interests in municipal matters.”

If you are interested in learning more about local Neighbourhood Watches or DOCRRA, visit their Facebook pages for details.

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