The Steenberg Community Forum (SCF) is expanding its successful civic education initiative, inviting residents from across Cape Town to attend free training sessions on local government structures and public participation rights on Saturday 28 February.
The workshop is scheduled to take place at the Grassy Park Library, on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Victoria Road.
SCF aims to foster community learning, create awareness and information that is relevant to the communities they service on the Cape Flats.
They also help to promote local businesses and entrepreneurs and income generation initiatives
The non-profit organisation (NPO) has been running its programme, “An Overview of South African Local Government and Public Participation: Constitutional/Legislative Framework,” throughout Subcouncil 18, with approximately 60 participants already benefiting from the sessions, including organisation leaders and ward committee members.
Empowering communities through education
“One of our key objectives is to empower community organisations and residents through information sharing and civic education,” said chairperson, Peter Martin, a Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA)-endorsed and registered facilitator holding a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. He will present the workshop.
The training addresses a critical need for civic literacy, helping residents understand how to navigate and engage effectively with local government systems.
The comprehensive programme covers essential topics including municipal structures, council operations, subcouncils, wards, ward committees, and community roles within the broader City of Cape Town framework. Participants learn about community rights, public officials’ duties, ward councillors’ responsibilities, and proper legislative procedures for public participation.
Building civic capacity
Upon completion, participants may apply for certificates recognising their civic education achievement.
The training aims to build community capacity for meaningful public participation, enabling residents to claim their rights and engage constructively with local government processes.
For more information mail Peter Martin at steenbergcommunityforum@gmail.com.
