Benefits of belonging to a Residents Associations

(This article was prepared by the CPOA for publication in the Constantiaberg Bulletin and is repeated here for those members who may not have seen it in the Bulletin)
Associations Legal Standing
Ratepayers and residents associations are required to be registered with the Cape Town City Council as "Community Based Organisations". Some of these associations are also registered with the Heritage Western Cape as Conservation Bodies. The Cape Town City Council, the Provincial Government, State Departments and heritage agencies are
required to consult these associations on matters which may affect the built and natural environment of their respective areas. This reactive role to developmental proposals is of vital importance to ensure that the character of residential areas are not undermined or degraded by inappropriate development or land use changes. Of particular importance is the threat of intrusive commercial creep which will change the intrinsic character and value of a particular residential area. The Bill of Rights provides for the protection of the environment from pollution and ecological degradation; for the promotion of conservation and for securing ecological sustainable development. In this regard ratepayer and residents associations play an important watchdog role.
Associations are able to comment, object or support land use applications, proposed sub-divisions of land, the sale or letting of municipal land or any departure to the National Building Regulations or the Council s Zoning Scheme Regulations.
Moreover, associations may comment on any new municipal bylaws or other legislation or
amendments to any such legislation. They may also comment on the policy guidelines that govern the various municipal services and functions. A current example is the public participation process for the formulation of a City-wide Spatial Planning Framework, District Structure Plans and the proposed new Cape Town Integrated Zoning Scheme.
When associations are strongly opposed to local government proposals they have the right to send delegations to address committees or political portfolio representatives.
In a proactive role some associations have engaged consultants to formulate Local Area Growth
Management and Development Plans for their respective areas. On an annual basis associations are invited to provide input to the City Councils Integrated Development Plan and its operating and capital budgets.


Close Contact with Municipal DepartmentsIn addition and on a daily basis, the associations deal with numerous issues, such as complaints of road surface defects, road and traffic signage, illegal signage, building materials on verges, dumping, overgrown verges, unauthorized building work, taxi problems, fences and boundary walls, vagrancy, noise nuisances, water and sewage leaks, open space maintenance, hawkers and various land use contraventions. Associations are able to establish good relationships with municipal service departments and can obtain information or rapid assistance in resolving community problems.
Ratepayers and Residents associations normally work in close cooperation with other community, environmental and welfare organizations in their areas in order to ensure a coordinated approach to solving community issues.
Ward Councilors are key figures and are valuable allies of the associations. Most associations are
represented on their respective ward committees, community police forums and crime watch
associations.

Communication with MembersMany associations issue regular newsletters to keep their members informed of developments or proposals that could have beneficial or problematic consequences to their area.
Each ratepayers or residents association operates in terms of its constitution and usually has an
executive committee which directs the affairs of the association and sometimes has other committees to deal with specialist matters. The executive is required to report on the associations activities and finances at an annual general meeting and to elect office bearers for the ensuing year.
Some associations employ part-time managers or secretaries to administer the operations. However, most associations operate solely with the voluntary help of unpaid members. For example the CPOA employs a manager and also make use of professional consultants where considered necessary.
It is important that associations keep their membership strong in order to maintain their image of being a unified voice of their community.
Property owners and residents who qualify for membership should make a concerted effort to join their ratepayers or residents association. Most associations levy a small annual membership fee to cover their overheads and also to accumulate funds for the employment of experts in the case of needing legal advice and/or specialist assistance.