The Urban Knowledge Exchange has initiated a series of webinars to showcase evidence-based knowledge platforms and initiatives. In this third webinar two online tools, Asivikelane and Planning for Informality were featured. These tools support social accountability in addressing key issues faced by informal settlement communities.
Here's an overview of the featured tools:
The first tool is Asivikelane, which means “let’s protect each other” in Zulu. Asivikelane is a bottom-up approach that uses monthly surveys to collect feedback from informal settlement residents on issues such as water, sanitation, electricity, and waste removal. The survey results are shared with the public and the authorities to identify and address the hot spots that need urgent intervention.
Watch this short video to learn more about how Asivikelane improves the lives of informal settlement residents across eight South African metropolitan municipalities.
The second tool is Planning for Informality, which is a top-down approach that annually reviews municipal documents such as budgets, policies, and plans in all eight metropolitan municipalities in South Africa. Planning for Informality rates each metropolitan municipality on the clarity of its position on a specified issue or indicator related to informal settlements. The ratings are published online and can be used to compare and benchmark the municipalities’ performance.
Have a look at this practical guide (mentioned during the webinar) developed, amongst other objectives, to help municipalities improve the living conditions of informal settlement residents through a participatory and co-production approach.
The presenters for the event were:
- Luzuko Hoho is the Asivikelane Project Coordinator. He leads and manages the Asivikelane data processes and systems. He provides support and training to Asivikelane Partners (CSOs) across the 8 Metro Municipalities. He also conducts applied research that supports International Budget Partnerships of South Africa (IBPSA) and its partners with their advocacy agendas.
- See presentation (PDF, 789KB)
- Chumile Sali is the Senior Projects Officer for the IBPSA. Chumile is leading the Asivikelane campaign on behalf of IBPSA in Mangaung Metro, Buffalo City Metro and Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Municipalities.
- Jens Horber is the Urban Land Project Officer at Isandla Institute. He is a professional town planner, and works on policy research on informal settlement upgrading, backyard housing and urban governance.
- See presentation (PDF, 1.38MB)
Additional panelist:
- Shumani Luruli is responsible for intermediary planning, implementation, and monitoring of programmes at Planact. She has considerable experience in training and social facilitation in local governance and organisational development, as well as sustainable livelihood analysis and community-based responses to HIV/AIDS.
Access the event recording here.
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