Who is fixlocal?

Fixlocal is an apolitical project of Heartlines - the Centre for Values Promotion - an NGO with a 20-year history of large-scale social change campaigns.

What is fixlocal?

Fixlocal is a service accessible via the web and WhatsApp. An App is also in development. It enables citizens to fix their local challenges, by working with the authorities or holding them to account, by getting organised, or by fixing the problem themselves. Through helping people mobilise and organise, it will foster communities of active citizens for a more prosperous and equitable South Africa.

What we provide

Fixlocal provides step-by-step ‘how-to’ guides, useful links, tools and templates on:

• How to report a problem (i.e. leaking sewage, potholes, broken streetlights)

Geolocation will link the user to the most useful municipal contact information and process to report the issue.

• How to escalate a problem

The best practice ideas for what to do if the problem is not resolved, including contact details for their ward councilors and the political party they represent. How to mobilise your community peacefully to put pressure on the authorities and to safely whistle blow if corruption is uncovered.

• How to fix it yourselves

A last resort is to fix it yourselves. Best practice guidelines for problems that can be safely and legally tackled.

• Fixlocal also collates inspiring stories of active citizens and local authorities

Real-life success stories of individuals, businesses, NGOs, communities and local authorities successfully addressing local challenges in different contexts i.e. city, township, peri-urban and small towns.

Marketing

Fixlocal is partnering with media, corporates, civil society and faith-based organisations to promote fixlocal and inspire people to act.

Roll out plan

Fixlocal is launching its pilot phase in May 2025 in 18 South African Metropolitan areas. The rest of the country will follow!

Our Team

The Heartlines’ staff and collaborators including BBD (Website/WhatsApp development), The Field Institute and Sharp Sharp Media (content and AI integration), Mark Heywood (community activation) and Flow Communications (digital media marketing).

Funders

Oppenheimer Memorial Trust, Yellowwoods, Lombard Insurance, The Stella & Paul Lowenstein Charitable and Educational Trust.

Collaborators

BBD, the Fine Group, FLOW, African Leadership Initiative, Association of Independent Publishers, News24, Biznews, Caxton, Daily Maverick, SALGA, the Leadership Forum, Jozi my Jozi.