The Citizen Report Card (CRC) survey in Cape Agulhas, South Africa, was conducted to assess local democracy and youth inclusion services. The survey is part of ICLD’s Municipal Partnership Programme (MPP), which partners Cape Agulhas with Umeå in Sweden to improve youth inclusion services. Through this survey, citizens in Cape Agulhas have the opportunity to provide feedback on their experiences with local governance and public services.
Survey Process
The survey was conducted across 10 educational institutions in Cape Agulhas using a stratified random sampling method. The respondents, aged between 10 and 24, were selected from suburban and town areas, ensuring that the sample represented the city’s demographics. The survey measured key areas of local democracy—participation, transparency, accountability, and equity—along with questions related to sexual and reproductive health services.
Demographic Profile of Respondents
- 53% of respondents were female, 46% were male and 1% identified as other.
- 56% of respondents aged below 18 and 44% were between 18 and 24 years old.
- 61% of respondents lived in town areas and 39 % lived in suburban areas.
- 7% of respondents had someone with a disability in their household.
Key Findings
1. Participation in Local Democracy
- The Participation Index showed an average score of 0.55, indicating that respondents under 15 years old participate less in local democratic processes in Cape Agulhas.
- Respondents living in suburban areas participate to a higher extent than those living in town areas.
2. Transparency and Equity
- The Transparency Index had an average score of 0.61, with no significant relation with any of the variables, meaning that no specific group find the local government less transparent. However, those who scored higher on the transparency index also seemed to be more satisfied with service delivery.
- The Equity Index had an average score of 0.95, and it includes the following question “Has there ever been a time when you wanted to participate in a local youth-related activity, club or service but felt that you were unfairly denied doing so?”.
3. Youth Inclusion Services
- The Service Delivery Index for youth inclusion had an average score of 0.62, with respondents living in suburban areas and the youngest age group, 10 to 14 years old, being more satisfied with the service delivery.
- Respondents with a higher score on the participation and transparency indices were also more satisfied with the service delivery.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
- Improving Communication: Local governments should ensure that young people receive clear and consistent information about available opportunities. They should also create structured platforms for dialogue, such as formal meetings or youth councils.
- Engaging Underrepresented Groups: Efforts should be made to create age-appropriate platforms for those under 15 years old. Local governments should identify and address barriers specific to town communities. Special attention should also be given to equitable access to youth programs for individuals with disabilities by addressing potential participation barriers.
- Improving Educational and Recreational Activities: Local authorities should support youth development through mentorship programs, homework assistance, arts and crafts workshops, and training for practical skills, as well as recreational activities such as sports clubs, swimming pools, and entertainment events like live music.
The Citizen Report Card provides the local government of Cape Agulhas with valuable insights to help enhance local democracy, improve youth inclusion, and address the needs of marginalized groups in the community.