Mthatha West SAFER PLACES: RESILIENT INSTITUTIONS AND NEIGHBOURHOODS TOGETHER - VPUU
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SAFER PLACES: RESILIENT INSTITUTIONS AND NEIGHBOURHOODS TOGETHER Mthatha West
n Horizontal version Horizontal version
MTHATHA WEST street names, which makes it difficult to
locate houses; this is particularly a challenge
ve of the An
An initiative
initiative of
of the
the An initiative of the Mthatha West is situated about five in emergency situations, when people
German South African
South African German
German South African German kilometres from the city centre of Mthatha, have to go to the main road to assist first
peration: Development
Development Cooperation:
Cooperation: Development Cooperation:
which is part of King Sabata Dalindyebo responders with directions.
Municipality. The population of Mthatha
KSD has the highest murder rate among
West is estimated to be around 40 000
the four sites in the 2020 situational
people, with 6 424 households (Wazimap,
analysis. In 2018/2019, it experienced
2011). The area consists of four peri-urban
nted by: Implemented
Implemented by:
by: Implemented by: an unprecedented 17% increase in the
informal settlements with fluid boundaries:
murder rate from the previous year, to
Mandela Park, Joe Slovo, Phola Park and
80 murders per 100 000. Last year, the
Chris Hani. The land that these informal
murder rate decreased to 72 murders per
settlements are located on is owned by
100 000. Most of the crime facing the area
the EC Department of Rural Development,
includes shebeens opening at all hours,
restricting KSD's ability to invest in the area.
THE SPRINT PROJECT apply approaches and tools for violence
The issue is currently being resolved in
house break-ins, drug abuse, child abuse,
prevention through urban upgrading, in line rape and murder. Shootings occur very
The Safer Places: Resilient Institutions and with the objectives of the Integrated Urban court. However, this is further complexified
19 19 19
by the fact that the settlements formed as
often, especially at night in taverns. It was
Neighbourhoods Together (SPRINT) Project Development Framework and other relevant also identified that cable theft is a major
is a joint initiative between GIZ’s Inclusive policy frameworks, particularly in the human a result of land grabs, leading conflicts and
issue in the area, which affects electricity
Violence and Crime Prevention Programme settlement and safer communities sector. properties being sold to multiple people at
supply. In public spaces, especially in shops,
(GIZ VCP), Violence Prevention through once. Most of the residents do not have title
It will enhance their capacity through pickpocketing is a prevalent crime. It was
Urban Upgrading (VPUU NPC) and Isandla deeds to the property on which they live.
training, structured exchanges and noted that many people fear to report these
Institute. The Steering Committee includes While most residential buildings are houses,
knowledge dissemination and support crimes for fear of victimisation. On the other
the Department of Cooperative Governance one-story rows of flats are also common;
municipalities with the implementation of hand, it takes time for police to respond to
and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), National however, the flats are crime hotspots due to
area-based interventions that promote the crime reports because the nearest police
Treasury, the Department of Human either absent landlords or illegal squatters.
building of safer communities. This will ease station is in the Mthatha town centre. Most
Settlements (DHS) and the South African In general, the non-residential areas of the of these social ills have created a perception
risk factors for, and build protective factors
Local Government Association (SALGA). settlements, such as R61, are characterised of Mthatha West as a “no-go” area.
against violence and crime through co-
It was conceptualised in response to the by small business activities such as spaza
creation and improved ownership in selected The community leadership structure is
COVID-19 pandemic to assist selected shops, street vehicle workshops and brick
areas. Such interventions entail a package not clearly defined; however, community
communities across the country with yards. Mthatha West has a very high
of social, economic and infrastructural members and KSD officials shared that,
building resilience. unemployment rate.
interventions, including the promotion of while Mthatha West is located on communal
The COVID 19 pandemic has had a devast- opportunities especially for young people. In terms of services, the community’s water land under the jurisdiction of chiefs, there are
ing impact on many communities in South is supplied by standpipes and skips are always questions around the legitimacy of
The Laboratory Pathway of the SPRINT
Africa. Social cohesion is even more at risk provided for waste removal. There are no those chiefs, as it is a contested space.
Project involves capacity-building processes
which might amplify risk factors for in-
with participating municipalities and
creased violence and crime. There is a need
CSOs; an in-depth situational analysis;
for the upscaling of targeted, area-based in-
and hands-on mentoring support with two
terventions that promote violence and crime
specific sites with the implementation of a
prevention and the use of ABVPI tools.
Community Development Fund. It focuses
This initiative will contribute to on co-designing and implementing practical,
strengthening and empowering a learning area-based solutions to violence-related
network amongst already well-established challenges. This document is a situational
civil society organisations, working closely analysis of a site within the Laboratory.
with municipalities and other partners, to
2 3
AREA COORDINATION KSD officials shared that they need to ORGANISATIONAL
become more customer service-focused
READINESS and require Peace Officer training for READINESS: CATHOLIC
The Department of Public Safety and
Law Enforcement. VPUU identified the DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
following needs: to collect socioeconomic
Traffic Management (DPSTM) make up King
data in Mthatha West, to integrate violence The Catholic Development Centre (CDC)
Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality’s (KSD)
prevention into the Community Safety was established in 1988, and currently has
core team in the SPRINT Lab. Uniquely, the
Plan and IDP, and to capacitate officials in 148 employees spread throughout ORTDM.
team does not yet have area-based plans or
community participation. The CDC has a history in Mthatha West and
frameworks for Mthatha West.
already has a working relationship with KSD.
The most pressing challenges that projects
The main legislative enablers for an Area
in Mthatha West face are the complexities The CDC has cemented itself within
Coordinating Team for Mthatha West will
of land ownership and demarcation. Firstly, Mthatha by providing support on
be future Ward-level Safety Plans, and
Mthatha West’s informal boundaries are overlapping violence prevention strategies,
the DCOG’s new District Development
unclear. It is not owned by KSD; therefore, with an emphasis on ECD and public health.
Model (DDM), which is being piloted in flexible to overcome project-related
it is not included in the Mthatha SDF and, in The CDC adopts a holistic approach to
OR Tambo District Municipality (ORTDM) challenges. The CDC is well capacitated,
turn, it is not a planning priority. However, their programmes and have the ability to
(ORTDM, 2019b:6). The DDM emphasises due to its visionary and experienced CEO,
the IDP initiated a vision for land to the west identify problems and address them by
“maximum coordination” and a “bottom-up as well as a strong team in Mthatha who
of the settlement as a Special Economic acknowledging the role of cultural violence.
approach” (ORTDM, 2019b:8). Before the have the ability and skills to address the
Zone (SEZ), which will boost job creation. Programmatically, the focus of the CDC
DDM, ORTDM supported the development social challenges of the site.
Lastly, although Mthatha West is situated is on psychosocial support and health in
of the KSD Community Safety Plan, which
on state land, it is contested by land claims. families. It has successfully advocated During the site visit, CDC were able to
is foundational to violence prevention
Few permanent infrastructural interventions for solutions to KSD DSD. This makes it identify opportunities to implement a CDF
in Mthatha. ORTDM can advocate for
can be implemented until the claims and an experienced partner with an in-depth project in partnership with KSD DPSTM, as
protective factors in the Community Safety
ownership are resolved. understanding of the unique context of the well as acknowledging potential challenges
Plan’s implementation plan; monitor
Mthatha West landscape. The CDC is a and what changes would be required to
implementation; and support DPSTM in For now, KSD’s key partners on the ground trusted organization within the community; ensure success.
convening the Community Safety Forum. include the Catholic Development Centre, their Child and Youth Care Workers make
the Ward 11 Committee, and a facilitative The CDC has the capacity to partner with
The DPSTM Lab Liaison is credible, deeply daily visits to families either coping with HIV/
Ward 11 Councillor. Financially, KSD has low KSD DPSTM to support initiatives in Mthatha
open to learning, and has a wide network; AIDS or at-risk of child abuse, and establish
resources due its reliance on rate-paying. West. It has the capacity, leadership and
however, with less decision-making power, strong bonds . The CDC also provides after-
Ward 11 and Ward 12 each have access to historical presence, both in the community
they rely on department heads. Thus far, school support and career development
R100 000 community development funds. and in its relational ties with the municipality,
leadership buy-in has been secured via a to youth in Mthatha West. During the
to be able to take the project forward and
letter of endorsement from the Director of COVID lockdown, the CDC partnered with
implement additional violence prevention
DPSTM. However, in engagements with KSD DSD to bring food relief to vulnerable
initiatives.
VPUU, most of the officials were not familiar people. The partnership has not been
with Mthatha West itself. Although positive without challenges, but both the CDC and Lastly, one of the CDC’s key connections
about the project, the core team seemed municipality have successfully navigated is the Cape Development and Dialogue
reluctant to engage at the site. The KSD their relationship to effectively provide aid. Centre Trust, a registered trust which
Directors of Waste Management, Human connects and faith-based organizations
The CDC’s programming is guided
Settlements and Communications, as well across South Africa to collaborate on
by evidence and each family’s needs,
as the ORTDM Director for Public Safety, did practical implementation and interfaith
which provide the baseline for their M&E
express strong buy-in. advocacy. This initiative could support the
processes. Programmes are designed
sustainability of a collaboration between
based on the unique challenges of the site,
KSD and the CDC.
to address HIV/AIDS, drug use, violence
and school drop-outs, while remaining
4 5
VIOLENCE PREVENTION STRATEGIES COMMUNITY MOBILISATION
The main stakeholders in Mthatha West are
chiefs; however, this has resulted in problems
EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
because the chiefs change regularly due to conflict.
ECD activities in Mthatha West are led by civil Ward Councillors, who have more legitimacy,
society. The CDC visits families on a daily basis also have a significant presence. Beyond politics,
to provide child protection and referrals and to the municipality engages communities through
identify and respond to abuse, if it is taking place. Mayoral programmes. KSD mainly communicates
The CDC’s 13 Child and Youth Care Workers with communities through flyers and ward
who operate in Mthatha West also provide councillors, who provide updates about municipal
parent and caregiver support. The organisation programmes or service delivery. An intermediary
has run a food parcel programme for families would be required to support KSD with community
during the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating a participation in Mthatha West, in order to mediate
crucial partnership with the Department of Social historical conflicts and upskill key officials in
Development. meaningful engagement processes.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY DELIVERY OF SERVICES (CDS)
The CDC provides group studies and homework While Mthatha West has experienced CDS
help to primary and secondary school learners strategies in the past, it no longer has consistent
in Mthatha West, and distance support to TVET access to this combination of opportunities and
college students from the area. A playground in improved service delivery. Previously, KSD hired
Mthatha West has space for netball and soccer, co-operatives to provide basic landscaping:
but no facilities. Younger children access the park, workers received a stipend and some basic
but it is not attractive to older kids. The Ward training; however, with fewer municipal resources,
Committee indicated that they require an enabling co-ops are hired less frequently. Technically,
environment for youth activities. Funding for sport communities are responsible for maintaining
facilities is available to the Ward Councillor, but community halls, but they do not have the skills,
inaccessible. resources or ownership required to do so. A CDS
approach would help KSD invigorate socio-
economic participation and service delivery.
EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME-GENERATING URBAN MANAGEMENT
DEVELOPMENT Most of Mthatha West receives minimum services
VPUU observed some SMME support spaces from ORTDM and KSD: water stand pipes, skips,
( painted red) along the road between Chris Hani access roads and some electricity. Waste removal is
and Mandela Park in Mthatha West; however, for a challenge due to road conditions. Funding restricts
the most part, KSD requires support in strategic KSD from serving the area further, although officials
partnerships with the private sector to invest envision improved services and public landscaping.
in local businesses. This will be vital to fighting KSD and traders along R61 would mutually benefit
unemployment in the area. The CDC has also from an Informal Trading Plan, which could improve
expanded to provide support to youth-owned cooperation and urban management. An enabling
SMMEs. With additional financial resources, there policy framework and an Area Coordinating Team
are many opportunities for KSD to upskill and work must be identified in order to develop sustainable
with EPWP and co-ops in Mthatha West. Area-Based Management plans.
6 7
PARTICIPATORY PLANNING AND URBAN PROGRAMME PLANNING, MANAGEMENT
DESIGN AND M&E
As mentioned, spatial planning for Mthatha West is KSD’s main challenge to violence prevention
hindered by land claims and ownership, excluding programming in Mthatha West is its lack of
it from the SDF. Existing planning is reactionary area-based planning for the site. At the municipal
and not participatory. Once these challenges are level, KSD uses baseline household information to
resolved, future spatial planning for Mthatha West inform the SDF. Their annual performance plans
must begin with baseline studies and mapping are informed by linkages between the IDP and the
in collaboration with the community, to ensure SDBIP. Departments report on their performance
that the results are informed by local contextual regularly, to the Office of the Performance Manag-
expertise and pave the way for negotiated er. These processes must be integrated with Area
partnership. These processes should integrate Coordination work, beginning with a baseline study
safety and improve spatial integration to the south and localised planning, in order to mainstream
with Mthatha and to the north-west with the SEZ. area-based management in Mthatha West.
PUBLIC SAFETY INFORMATION SHARING AND
According to the Ward 11 Committee, there were MANAGEMENT
no safe spaces from substance abuse, break-ins In KSD, ward councillors communicate through
and shootings in Mthatha West in 2020, “not ward committees who, in turn, distribute
even churches.” Additionally, VPUU experienced information to their communities. Multiple informal
conflicting reports of whether SAPS effectively platforms are used to communicate with and
patrol there. Within civil society, few structures mobilize residents. Ward-based and “KSD Focus”
are able to promote safety: local CPFs and newsletters distribute public information on the
street committees are not functional. The KSD KSD website. Previously, Mayoral and Speakers’
Community Safety Plan 2019-2022 provides a Outreach Programmes shared information about
promising foundation, but its implementation has municipal planning and implementation with
yet not been costed. Upcoming ward-based safety the community; this model may be effective in
audits and plans may be another opportunity to strengthening civic engagement in Mthatha West.
improve safety. However, barriers of distrust could hinder future
information-sharing, as sometimes community
members trust KSD officials more than councillors.
ACCESS TO JUSTICE RESEARCH AND CAPACITY-BUILDING
Efforts have been made by SAPS to ensure access Only one academic study has been completed
to justice at Mthatha Central, as well as by the CDC of Mthatha West; in it, the area is referred to as
to support victims of child abuse. SAPS expressed “Greater Mandela Park.” No KSD officials were
commitment to providing appropriate services to aware of additional published research. In terms
victims of violence, working directly with DSD, and of training, KSD has relationships with DUT and
ensuring that crime statistics are used to inform nearby Technikons to upskill future KSD employees
social crime prevention programming. In contrast, and link to internships with the municipality. The
other stakeholders denied that victim support is Community Development Unit at WSU is also a
offered at police stations. Lastly, without informal potential partner. Efforts have also been made to
justice structures, Mthatha West lacks the social provide capacity-building to traditional leaders.
capital to strengthen justice mechanisms within KSD requested support to offer peace officer
civil society. and crowd control trainings to municipal law
enforcement.
8 9
KEY CHALLENGES THANK YOU King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality (2020)
IDP Review 2020/21. Republic of South
Over the next five months, the KSD core Thank you to the following people in Africa.
team, the CDC and community members Mthatha who participated in site visits
have the opportunity to partner and begin and interviews in 2020: Dial Kettledas, Municipal Demarcation Board (2018)
working together on key challenges in Ndumiso Sapepa, Noluthando Soqinase, Municipal Capacity Assessment 2018: King
Mthatha West. Siviwe Golimpi, Kenneth Timakwe, Zanele Sabata Dalindyebo EC157.
Joyce Ndiki, Miyon Williams, Ntokozo O.R. Tambo District Municipality (2019a)
Zwane, Andisiwe Jordaan, Asavela Rasonti, The Concept and Process Plan for the
Pumlani Madliki, Councillor Menzelwa, Implementation of the District Development
Thembekile Kanise, Noluthando Nobhadla, Model. Republic of South Africa.
Lorna Filtane, Sonwabo Mampoza, Buntu
DEVELOPING A CAPACITATION Maqeda, Councillor Zukisa Gana, Mpangheli O.R. Tambo District Municipality (2019b)
LOCALISED SAFETY FOR MEANINGFUL Bahle, and Father Richard Menatsi as well Taking Action Towards Community Safety:
PLAN ENGAGEMENT as Charl Fredericks. Understanding joint collaboration between
DSL, SALGA, GIZ-VCP and District
The first challenge on which to collaborate The second challenge on which to Municipality Support. Republic of South
could build upon the existing KSD collaborate could be capacitating local Africa.
Community Safety Plan and address leaders and residents to participate in REFERENCES Sparg, B. (2001) Proposed Housing
high levels of crime and violence, as municipal processes. This would also Developments: Umtata West: Donation
demonstrated by KSD’s extremely high require capacitation for KSD to carry out Cakata, K. (2017) Sustainability in South of State Land: King Sabata Dalindyebo
murder rate. Given that no comprehensive stakeholder engagement. Once these actors African Secondary Cities – The Case of Municipality. Letter. Republic of South Africa.
plans exist at the neighbourhood scale for are trained to work together and understand Mthatha. Master’s Dissertation. University of
Mthatha West, and that the municipal- their respective processes, they would be Johannesburg. Wazimap (2011) King Sabata Dalindyebo
level Safety Plan is gaining momentum prepared to put their learning into practice Municipality Ward 11 Profile.
King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality and
amongst local government stakeholders, in the future, through the development of Zenzile, M. ( n.d.) Application to Designate
GIZ Inclusive Violence and Crime Prevention
an established Area Coordinating Team’s the localised Safety Plan or, through the Mthatha Urban Functional Area as a
Programme (2019) Results of the Safety
(ACT) first priority could effectively align same methodology with a broader lens, a Restructuring Zone for Social Housing
Audit Workshop KSD. Mthatha.
these opportunities. An ACT could apply Community Action Plan. A plan that sets out Development: Social Housing Act (No.16 Of
the KSD Community Safety Plan’s priorities the vision of knowledgeable Mthatha West King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality ( n.d.) 2008). King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality.
at ward- or neighbourhood-level, using residents for their area, and alignment to the Local Economic Development Strategy:
robust participatory processes to develop responsibilities of KSD and ORTDM, would Working Document. Republic of South
a localised plan that integrates allocated lay the foundation for further data collection Africa.
budgets and the responsibilities of about the population in the area and
King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality
stakeholders in government and civil society. negotiated, evidence-based development
(2013) Spatial Development Framework –
Moreover, with land ownership in Mthatha among all actors.
Combined Plans. Republic of South Africa.
West still being determined in court, a
localised safety plan could strengthen King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality
institutions, overlay social programmes, and (2019) Community Safety Plan 2019–
strategise spatial safety interventions for 2022. Published by the King Sabata
when there are fewer spatial constraints. Dalindyebo Local Municipality, with the
support of APCOF, GIZ, South African Local
Government Association, Eastern Cape
Province Community Safety Department,
and the Civilian Secretariat for Police
Service.
10 11
TITLE
SUB TITLE
DATE
SAFER PLACES:
RESILIENT INSTITUTIONS AND
NEIGHBOURHOODS TOGETHER
SPRINT
n initiative of the South African
man Development Cooperation:
Implemented by:
SAFER PLACES:
RESILIENT INSTITUTIONS AND
NEIGHBOURHOODS TOGETHER
SPRINT
Pop-up banners, An initiative of the South African
German Development Cooperation:
posters and
promotional Implemented by:
material
A line helps separate
n
the two groups
the
man
ion:
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