Should we boycott our rates?

CAN co-governance series, Episode 6.

Rates boycotts are a very emotive and attractive option for resident’s tired of poor service delivery. However, they have been unsuccessful and deemed unlawful in the past. Chantelle Gladwin-Wood of HBG Schindler’s Attorneys joined us to discuss the law of a boycott and how to hold municipalities accountable without setting yourself up for being disconnected. Watch now.

Development Planning

CAN co-governance series, Episode 5.

One of the most expensive, time-consuming, and frustrating issues facing Resident’s Associations is development planning applications and problem properties. In this episode, we will speak with three experts on the laws governing planning, common issues involving land use and construction in the communities they serve, and ways we can work smarter as networks to achieve favorable results. This insightful discussion will provide practical solutions and strategies to help Resident’s Associations navigate the complexities of development planning more effectively. Watch now.

How to market your Resident’s Association

CAN workshop, Episode 4.

Residents Associations and community initiatives are the frontline of local government information and education. But how can you enhance communication and effectively share your community’s efforts to boost membership? Learn from experts Masego Motsoeneng and Samantha Herman, with Julia Fish, JoburgCAN Manager, as your host. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your community engagement! Watch now.

Community wins & ways – The story of Tidy Town’s and active citizenry

CAN co-governance series, Episode 5.

Join us as we dive into the exhilarating Tidy Towns saga and discover why active citizenry truly works wonders. We also hear from the KiCK initiative in Kensington Johannesburg on what community action means for them and how they have gotten their community involved. A truly inspiring, energetic webinar on remarkable growth and the powerful impact of community collaboration and activism. Get ready to be uplifted by stories of ordinary citizens making an extraordinary difference, proving that when we work together, anything is possible. Watch now.

Precinct Management

CAN co-governance series, Episode 4.

Precinct management is not a new concept; it has been utilised in business districts for decades. However, there is a growing interest in applying this approach to residential and mixed-use areas, especially as urban decay becomes more prevalent in many towns, villages, and cities. Yet, the solution for each area may vary significantly. Watch now.

How to hold municipal directors to account

CAN Workshop Series, Episode 3.

Join us for the 3rd edition of the CAN Workshop series, hosted by Julia Fish from JoburgCAN, as we delve into the critical topic of municipal accountability. What exactly does accountability entail for municipal entities and their directors? Which laws and regulations are in place to govern these entities and their boards? Explore these questions and more as we engage with esteemed experts in the field. Adv. Stefanie Fick, Executive Director of the Accountability and Public Governance Division at OUTA, along with Chantelle Gladwin-Wood, Director at HGB Schindler’s Attorneys, will shed light on the issue of delinquency at the municipal government level. Join us for an illuminating conversation that promises valuable insights and perspectives.

Public land occupation: Your rights and responsibilities

CAN co-governance series, Episode 3.

In local community groups and public forums, the occupation of greenbelts and public spaces has become a very divisive topic. But what are the rights and responsibilities of the groups involved, from the City to the occupiers and the local residents? Kelly Kropman, a human rights attorney, talks us through the legal responsibilities, and her experience assisting displaced people, while we hear from two residents’ associations about what they are doing to try and curb the impact of occupations on their communities. Everyone has a right to dignity in South Africa, so how do we hold the municipality to account and work together to find a solution to the blight of inequality in our city? Watch now.

Workshop: IDP and Municipal Budgeting: What you need to know. 

CAN Workshop Series, Episode 2.

Join the Community Action Network (CAN) team and our special guests for an informative workshop delving in the municipal budget and Integrated Development Plan public participation process. We unpack how communities can become more involved in the process by learning where to look and what questions to ask. To access our resources on this subject, select the button below.

What does it take to dissolve a municipal council?

CAN co-governance series, Episode 2.

In Episode 2 of our Co-governance series we delve into the intricate process of dissolving a municipal council. When service delivery falters, communities often seek solutions like placing the municipality under administration or advocating for new elections. In a groundbreaking turn of events, residents of Makhanda in the Eastern Cape achieved a milestone victory in court, leading to the dissolution of their municipal council. Watch now.

Workshop: How to start a resident association 

CAN Workshop Series, Episode 1.

Active citizenry starts with organised community organisations. To be recognised, build membership, and effectively demand accountability there is some admin. Join us to hear about the governance options available to you to start a resident’s association, manage your association and increase revenue. We will talk about growing the resources of local community organisations from volunteers to funding and networks. To access our resources on this subject, select the button.

GVR – Why having your voice heard matters.

General Valuation Rolls play a pivotal role in determining property taxes, directly impacting property owners and tenants alike. Every Rand assigned to the total value of your property by your municipality influences your monthly rates bill. Failure to engage in this process could lead to unwarranted increases, adversely affecting your cash flow. Multiple municipalities across the country will be opening their general valuation rolls to public scrutiny between now and June 2024 in order to finalise their 2024/ budgets. CAN is tracking in real-time. To access our resources on this subject, select the button below. 

Community wins & ways – Lessons of active citizenry.

CAN co-governance series, Episode 1.

In this inaugural webinar we will hear from Yunus Chamda of Action for Accountability, and Danyle Nunes of Creass Community Services and the Melville Security Initiative, who will share their firsthand experiences and innovative strategies for driving positive change at the grassroots level. From navigating partnerships with local authorities to mobilising resources for sustainable initiatives, our speakers offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of co-governance in urban settings.

What can be done to fix City of Johannesburg

Watch this thought-provoking webinar, “What can be done to fix the City of Johannesburg” hosted by JoburgCAN and facilitated by Wayne Duvenage. In this insightful session, we bring together renowned speakers Julius Kleynhans from JoburgCAN and Neeshan Balton from Ahmed Kathrada Foundation to explore the challenges faced by the City of Johannesburg, and most importantly, to find collaborative solutions that empower communities and hold the City accountable.

My municipal bill skyrocketed and it is inaccurate, what can I do now?

Join JoburgCAN, OUTA and Schindlers Attorneys for an insightful webinar where we’ll be addressing the common concern of skyrocketing municipal bills and providing practical guidance on disputing inaccuracies. Whether it’s your water, electricity, refuse, or other charges, experts from Schindlers Attorneys will guide you through the process of effectively disputing and rectifying billing discrepancies.