By Anish Abraham

Community-based organisations have been urged to submit their information to the City so they can be given copies of Johannesburg's draft Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for comment once it is released in May.

"We are asking all civic structures, civics, ratepayers and residents'

associations, among others, to provide us with their details so that we can not only get information from them, but also send them information," says Keith Peacock, the deputy director for customer relationship management in the Office of the City Manager.

When preparing its IDP, the City is obliged to make the process as participatory as possible by providing drafts to residents and civic organisations for comment, as stipulated by the Municipal Systems Act.

"The IDP is a practical working tool. It is a statement of what we are going to do and sets very clear targets so that communities can monitor the progress being made," Peacock explains.

This will be the first year in which the IDP will be a five-year document, rather than simply spanning one financial year. According to Peacock, this works better since most capital-intensive projects are long-term.

"When we have their [the organisations] details, we will ensure they are invited to consultation meetings, that the information they provide is given to councillors and make sure we can assist them in the important role they play in their respective communities."

Peacock states that since these organisations are representatives of their communities, they are not only acutely aware of the challenges faced by those communities, but also normally have a very good view of the larger challenges facing the City as a whole.

"They are an excellent conduit of the aspirations of the communities they represent."

This way of creating communication channels is a City initiative. The consultation process has to go beyond just compliance with legislation, a vital element as Johannesburg strives to be a world-class African city.

"Success or failure of service delivery is reliant on communities, who are active participants in planning, implementation and monitoring of City programmes. After all, they have to live with the consequences of the decisions of the City," Peacock says.

All non-governmental, civic and community-based organisations, as well as ratepayers' and residents' associations, are urged to send their full details to the City either by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by fax to 011 403 1012.

Details can also be posted to:

Community Participation

Office of the Speaker

City of Johannesburg

PO Box 1049

Johannesburg

2000