The Citizen Report Card (CRC) survey in Sundays River Valley, 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 Sundays River Valley with Falkenberg in Sweden and Sarah Baartman District, South Africa, to improve youth inclusion. Through this survey, citizens in Sundays River Valley have the opportunity to provide feedback on their experiences with local governance and public services.
Survey Process
The survey was conducted across 350 inhabitants of Sundays River Valley using a stratified random sampling method. The respondents, aged between 10 and 24, were selected from 15 educational institutions, ensuring that the sample represented the municipality’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
- 55% of respondents were female and 45% were male.
- 41% of respondents were below 15 years old, 27% between 15 and 18 years old, and 32% aged above 18.
- 76% of respondents lived in suburban areas, 12% lived in town areas and 12% in rural areas.
- 14% of respondents have someone with a disability in their household.
Key Findings
1. Participation in Local Democracy
- The Participation Index showed an average score of 0.43, with respondents below 19 years old participating less in local democracy in Sundays River Valley.
- Respondents living in rural areas participate to a lower extent than those living in town and suburban areas.
2. Transparency and Equity
- The Transparency Index had an average score of 0.33, showing a positive significant relationship with children below 15 years old, who feel that it is easier to find information about what the local government is doing.
- On the other hand, respondents living in suburban areas think it is harder to find information than those living in rural and town areas.
- The Equity Index had an average score of 0.87, 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 had an average score of 0.39, with youngest age group, 10 to 14 years old, being more satisfied with the service delivery on youth inclusion than any other group.
- Respondents with a higher score on the participation and transparency indices are also more satisfied with the service delivery.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
- Improving Participation and Accessibility: Efforts should be made by local governments to ensure accessibility and inclusion to young people living in rural areas and those below 19 years old, facilitating access to information. They should focus on creating accessible and inclusive channels for young people to voice their opinions, ensuring that youth programs and services are well-communicated and easily accessible.
- Supporting Education: Children have expressed concerns about their education and future prospects. They recommend free education and transportation, as many face challenges due to high transport costs or the absence of nearby schools. Additionally, there are calls for job opportunities for young parents to help support families and improve household stability.
- Improving Recreational Facilities: Local authorities should invest in recreational facilities such as sports grounds, theatres, and libraries. These spaces would promote positive youth development, keep young people actively engaged, and help reduce exposure to negative influences.
The Citizen Report Card provides the local government of Sundays River Valley with valuable insights to help enhance local democracy, improve youth inclusion, and address the needs of marginalized groups in the community.