Creating change in your community needs planning and action. Whether you're fixing local problems, forming groups, or working with media, these steps will help you make a real difference.

Steps for organising and creating change

1. Reporting issues to the municipality:

   • Clearly explain the problem, whether it is about services or infrastructure.
   • Find the right municipal department by looking at their website or calling their office.
   • Send your complaint online, through an app, or in person with detailed information and proof.
   • Keep your complaint (reference) number and check back often.

2. Escalating issues to your ward councillor:

   • To find your ward councillor, click here.
   • Get all the important papers ready for your case.
   • Contact your councillor by email, phone, or in person, and explain your issue clearly.
   • Go to ward meetings to talk about your issue and get support.

3. Setting up a street WhatsApp group:

   • Collect the phone numbers of your neighbours.
   • Create a WhatsApp group and add the contacts.
   • Make rules to keep talks on topic and respectful.
   • Use the group to share updates and organise meetings.

4. Establishing a residents' or ratepayers' association:

   • Find out if neighbours are interested in forming an association.
   • Write a plan that explains the group's purpose and setup.
   • Choose leaders like a chairperson, secretary, and treasurer.
   • Register the association with the relevant authorities if necessary.
   • Organise regular meetings to discuss issues and plan activities.

5. Forming a neighbourhood watch:

   • Recruit volunteers interested in forming a watch.
   • Plan initial meetings to outline what you want to do together and also who will be responsible for what.
   • Collaborate with local police for guidance and support.
   • Set up steps for reporting suspicious activities.
   • Promote safety through meetings and communication channels.

6. Joining or setting up a community policing forum (CPF):

   • Learn about the CPF’s structure and objectives by contacting local authorities.
   • Join an existing CPF or tell neighbours and the police that you are interested in setting up a new one. A CPF must be organised through the local police.
   • Get the community to join and help with the CPF.
   • Hold meetings to talk about stopping crime and safety.

7. Organising for change:

   • Set clear and measurable targets for the change you want to achieve.
   • Build a team of dedicated people who are passionate about the cause.
   • Make a plan with main activities, timelines, and a budget. Here are ways to raise money to help get resources if needed. [Research link]
   • Get support through community meetings and social media.
   • Carry out your plan, check progress, and change as needed.

8. Using media to create pressure:

   • Create an interesting story with facts and personal stories.
   • Find local media that talks about community issues.
   • Reach out to journalists with your story and offer interviews or materials.
   • Find out how to write a press release here.
   • Share your story on social media and encourage others to spread the word.
   • Keep media contacts updated on the situation.

Source: AI pipeline.

Photograph: Supplied by eThekwini Ratepayers and Residents Association

Get your community involved

Is there a community-driven group or caring business in your area? A dedicated group of committed people can effectively solve local problems.

Think about starting or joining community groups like a street WhatsApp group, residents' association, or community policing forum (CPF) to get help and to stay informed and involved in local issues.

How to set up a community group

How to start a WhatsApp group

How to start a residents' association

How to set up a community policing forum

How to set up a neighbourhood watch

How to organise community action

How to use media to create pressure for change

Know your rights – how local government works

It’s important to understand how your local government works so that you can work with them to support what they are doing while your community continues to keep them accountable and deliver services on time. Remember you have a constitutional right to many of the services provided by local government, as well as to accountability and transparency, wherever you live and regardless of how much you earn. It is also where money collected from taxes and rates goes.