Services We Provide
Understanding our commitment to serving the community through essential services and support
Understanding Exclusion
The problem of exclusion
Due to the inequitable economic development policies of the past, centred on Apartheid, with the 'homelands'
system being the spatial manifestation of this policy, approximately one third of South Africans
remain excluded from the mainstream, formal economy. Further, the subsistence economy in South African
rural areas has been in decline which has increased the level of exclusion of this most vulnerable group.
The term 'indigent' means 'lacking the necessities of life'.
In the long term it is clearly necessary for this level of exclusion to be dealt with through national economic development initiatives, which is beyond the scope of this municipal indigent policy. What is of concern here, however, is that economic exclusion has resulted in exclusion from access to basic services by the poor which contributes substantially to their experience of poverty.
Poverty & Indigent Support
This policy is aimed at including those currently excluded from access to basic services, through the provision of a social safety net. What poor people in South Africa have in common is the need to access affordable basic services that will facilitate their productive and healthy engagement in society.
Constitutional Rights
What poor people also have in common with other South Africans is the right to basic socio-economic and environmental rights set out in the Constitution. This means that both the private rights of individuals to basic services and the public right to a healthy and sustainable environment must be secured.
Necessities of Life
In interpreting 'indigent' for the purpose of this policy, the following goods and services are considered as necessities for an individual to survive:
Anyone who does not have access to these goods and services is considered indigent.
This definition explicitly excludes a household income condition. The condition of being indigent is experienced by the lack of these basic goods and services and their cost and the way they are provided in different locations is highly variable.
Services Comparison
Comparison of service delivery standards between Urban Core and Deep Rural areas:
| Service | Urban Core | Deep Rural Area |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Metered house connections with reliable supply | Rural Wells or public standpipes for community access | |
| Urban Fully sewered, waterborne sanitation systems | Rural Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) toilets | |
| Urban 250L wheeled bins, twice weekly kerbside collection | Rural Burial or burning of refuse on the plot | |
| Urban Grid electricity supply with prepayment meter | Rural Solar home system or alternative fuels | |
| Urban Land acquisition, registration & rapid servicing | Rural Reliance on traditional house building methods | |
| Urban Regulated environmental health services | Rural Community-based environmental management |
Service Delivery Approach
This indigent policy provides a framework for how service delivery can be achieved at the local government scale. The approach recognizes the different needs and capabilities of urban and rural communities.
Key Principles
Inclusion
Providing access to basic services for those currently excluded from the mainstream economy.
Rights-Based
Upholding constitutional socio-economic and environmental rights for all citizens.
Community Focus
Prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable and excluded members of our community.
Progressive Enhancement
Supporting individuals to progressively enhance their circumstances beyond basic necessities.