SALGA and ARC to hold workshop on co-operation

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA), an association recognised in terms of section 2(1) (a) of the Organized Local Government Act, 1997 (Act No. 52 of 1997) representing local government nationally and/or provincially, and The Association of Residential Communities (ARC), an association representing residential estate communities, Home Owners Associations and Bodies Corporate, is bringing together their constituencies (municipalities and residential estates) to find common ground in the advancement of collective interest.

The key objective of the workshop, facilitated by SALGA and ARC, will be to explore areas of co-operation where both parties and their members will:

• Share information, knowledge and experience using the existing platforms or creating new platforms for engagement
  
• Develop mechanisms for bringing estate managers and city councillors/city managers closer to each other
  
• Develop mechanisms for allowing city councillors/city managers to interact with their constituencies directly
  Develop strategies that allow for participation of estate managers and residents in municipal processes
  
• Facilitate the integration of the residents living within the established communities into the broader community and municipality

Memorandum of understanding

SALGA and ARC, in concluding a structured relationship through a memorandum of understanding, will approach all matters of common interest as partners based on the principle of co-operative governance and an appreciation of their respective roles, responsibilities and competencies. Through a consultative approach SALGA and ARC will involve all relevant stakeholders in the process including relevant government departments, statutory bodies, municipal support agencies, professional bodies, civil society and the private sector.

Lance Joel, COO of SALGA commented: "The parties recognise the important role of the collective leadership in setting the co-operation agenda. SALGA and ARC thus undertake to ensure that all activities between the parties will be conducted in accordance with the direction set by the leadership of both parties and that effective monitoring and accountability will be promoted." This will be thrashed out at the conference.

Previous lack of communication

"For too long now, residential estate communities and their local municipalities have not communicated or operated closely or effectively, and have not exploited the similarities and synergies between their respective roles and responsibilities, and this partnership will assist in remedying this missed opportunity", said Jeff Gilmour, president of ARC.

"Residential communities' house around five million people nationwide, most of them amongst the top contributing members of society and the management teams of these estates control property assets in excess of R900 billion in value, generating about R9 billion annually in municipal rates and R7 billion annually in service tariffs, This is a seriously powerful and capable national community, which is poised to contribute significantly to local authority capacity and growth, given the right forum and conducive environment. Our aim is to encourage the creation of that environment at local authority level, between the people on the ground doing the planning and making the management decisions", Gilmour added.