Soweto’s residents and University of Johannesburg unite to tackle service delivery

Originally published on 14 March 2024

In Doornkop, Soweto, a partnership between local residents and the University of Johannesburg demonstrates how communities can take charge of their future and overcome challenges.

What was the problem?

Doornkop, a vibrant neighbourhood in Soweto, is home to 61,000 residents who grapple with significant economic challenges, including high unemployment and limited access to essential resources. Despite these difficulties, the community has shown remarkable resilience and a strong commitment to supporting one another. However, without systemic changes and increased opportunities, many families continue to struggle to make ends meet.

How did they fix it?

The University of Johannesburg’s Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA) joined forces with Doornkop residents and the NGO Humana People to People. Over ten years, they studied how the community used social grants and services to help one another. The project highlighted the strength of local support networks and the need for greater access to opportunities. The launch of the book Development, Social Policy and Community Action: Lessons from Below celebrated this unique collaboration.

So, how did they do it?

• Being organised: The community started an association that recognised the value of combining resources such as funds, skills, time and labour.
• Finding partners: They found support and partnered with other organisations with similar objectives, including Sakeliga.
• Setting up processes: They used legally established procedures for dispute resolution, including litigation, to defend their rights under the rule of law.
• Alerting the media: They used the power of publicity to spotlight the challenges of a dysfunctional municipality.
• Open-door policy: They kept contact with the municipality and attended meetings aimed at creating dialogue to find ways to end protest action, resolve billing disputes and to restore and sustain service delivery.

Acknowledgements

Author: Leila Patel

Original article: UJ, Soweto residents designing solutions to fight poverty

Photograph: Klaus Leidorf

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.