R2K challenges all local government candidates to sign our accountability and transparency pledge!
In the lead up to the elections, R2K is partnering with community organisations to challenge potential Councillors, both those from political parties and independents, to sign our pledge of accountability and commitment to being recalled if they do not work in the interest of the community (see attached).
Local government is supposed to be the most accessible part of government, but often local politicians don’t do their job and fail to be accountable. On the eve of the local government elections, Right2Know is partnering with local community organisations to demand transparency and accountability from local officials past election day – we demand the right to recall of local ward Councillors who do not work in the interest of their communities.
It’s not too late! We challenge all local government candidates to print, sign, and email a photo of yourself with the pledge to admin@r2k.org.za. Alternatively you can tweet the photo to @r2kcampaign.
Today, R2K launches a new activist guide aimed at holding local government accountable and transparent.
In two days time, the country will be heading to the polls to vote in the highly contested local government elections. But the question remains: what is the mandate and power of local government?
Local government is a vital part of the South African state. As the part of government that is closest to the people, local government is tasked with fixing some of the most basic challenges we face as a country, including inequality and the legacy of apartheid. The constitution and other laws say clearly that local government must be open, responsive, and accountable but this is sadly often not the case.
Over the past month, R2K has been engaging councillors at a ward level and through community debates and meetings to challenge them to sign our pledge, and to commit to being accountable first and foremost to the communities in their ward. Across the eight community meetings (see full list here), only one candidate has signed the pledge so far!
This easy to read Activist Guide aims to help citizens understand the policies and practices that can help make local government more transparent and accountable. It includes information around the requirements for open meetings, information around local government structures and public participation processes, as well as an outline for a pledge that communities can rally potential councillors to sign.
We encourage South Africans to download the guide at www.r2k.org.za/localgovt or contact our nearest R2K office for print copies.
*We call on all potential Councillors and media to join us at community meetings in Gauteng this week:
Makause township (East Rand)
Tuesday, 2 August, 15h30 – 17h30, Makause Sports Ground, Makause (Germiston), East Rand
In partnership with Macodefo community organisation
For more information contact: General Moyo: 071 529 0675 / Ntombiyebongo Tshabalala: 078 594 8962
Diepkloof, Soweto
Tuesday, 2 August, 09h00 – 11h00, Quaker Recreation Center, Zone 4, Thibogang St, Diepkloof, Soweto
In partnership with Voice of the Poor Concerned Residents
For more information contact: Eunice Mazini: 078 482 2178 / Ntombiyebongo Tshabalala: 078 594 8962
