Active residents gathered in Bromhof on Saturday morning to tackle service delivery issues and share their expectations ahead of the elections.

Hosted by the Joburg Crisis Alliance (JCA), the civic society session in Region C saw locals giving up two to three hours of their weekend to collaborate on the challenges facing their community. Discussions centred on day-to-day service delivery problems and what residents want to see from ward councillors, mayoral candidates, and political parties when they head to the polls on November 4.

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Wade Manning, executive director for Defend Our Democracy, was at the session and praised the community for their dedication. “I think it was a great turnout today, seeing a room full of citizens in discussion on what it is that affects them most on a day-to-day basis, which is where local government issues really lie and why local government issues are so important.”

He noted that seeing so many people sacrifice their free time is a positive sign for the area. “To see a room full of community members out on a Saturday morning, taking out of their time to actually discuss, come together, and collaborate is such a great initiative. It’s such a great example of what it’s going to take, as citizens of South Africa, to actually come together and see our country move in a direction that we all believe it should be moving in.”

The meeting highlighted that civic involvement does not have to be intimidating or highly formal. Manning encouraged residents to join local organisations and stressed that making a difference starts with simple, everyday conversations. “It’s not as difficult or as complex as what it may seem to be, in terms of integrating and working in government forums. It’s not about that; it’s about being able to speak to the neighbour who lives down the street from you and the lady who you meet at the bus stop every morning, and being able to speak about the issues that affect you on a day-to-day basis in your community.”

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While the main focus of the day was community collaboration and holding local government accountable, a major question that came up was how citizens can get involved, beyond simply casting a vote.

Manning told the crowd that a great way to do their country duty is by registering as an independent election observer. “What it means is that you are a citizen who is not being paid, who is not there for the headlines, who is not there for the cameras or any political party. You are essentially there because you care about your community, and you would like to observe the electoral process.”

All observations made on voting day are compiled into a single report, which is then submitted to the Independent Electoral Commission as an official record from an independent witness.

Residents who want to help safeguard the upcoming local government elections can register to become an observer for free at www.defendourdemocracy.org.

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