Expressing your concerns through a letter or email to your local councillor or municipal office can be a good way to get problems fixed, like when a neighbour does something illegal or when you have problems with government services. You can write a clear letter or petition or hold a lawful citizen action event. These actions can help you make sure your voice is heard and can lead to solutions. Steps for writing a letter of complaint:

1. Find the right person to send it to

   • Make sure your letter goes to the right person or department.

2. Use facts

   • Use reliable facts that can be checked to support your claims.
   • Include photos or GPS locations if needed.

3. Mention past reports

   • Talk about any times you have reported your issue in the past and include the report reference numbers to give background.

4. Keep it short

   • Write clearly and directly to get your message across.

5. Keep a record of your letter and any response you get

   • Build a file with all the information about your issue, the reports you have made, the reference numbers you have received, and any responses you have had to your reports. Staying organised will show your determination and help to make your case.

6. Use templates for help

   • Use sample letters to fit your specific issue, like reporting illegal activities or objecting to rezoning plans.
   • Here are tips and a template for writing a letter.

Steps for drafting a petition

1. Say what the issue is

   • Clearly say what the complaint or request is about.

2. Suggest a solution

   • Describe the action or solution you want. Be specific and clear so that the receiver knows exactly what to do next.

3. Set a deadline for the action that you need

   • When you set a deadline, it is a way to show how important your issue is and that you are serious about having your issue addressed.

4. Explain why your petition is needed

   • Explain why the petition is needed and specifically what the petition wants to achieve.

5. Get support

   • Share the petition by email, to WhatsApp groups, or to community platforms to collect signatures.

6. Send your petition to the right people

   • Send petitions to the right member of the executive council (MEC), department, or institution.
   • Here is a description of how to submit a petition in Johannesburg. In Gauteng, you can also send petitions through the Provincial Legislature. An official explanation of how the petition process works can be found here.

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.