Asivikelane

13/10/2026

Today is International Disaster Risk Reduction Day. People living in informal settlements are often the most affected when disasters strike. Many settlements are overcrowded, have poor infrastructure, such as no proper roads or stormwater drains, and their access to basic and emergency services is limited. These vulnerabilities increase their exposure to flooding, fires, strong winds, storms, heavy rainfall, and other hazards. These disasters can damage homes and belongings, disrupt livelihoods, and cause emotional distress, injuries and even loss of life.

is working together with communities to prevent and prepare for disasters. Being prepared as a community can reduce the impact of disasters and protect lives.

06/10/2026

We are excited to be working with our new partner Mayine-N on how to prepare communities in disaster management.

06/10/2026

Community Facilitators are at the heart of ’s work. Living in the communities they serve, they provide a vital bridge between informal settlement residents and government officials, helping communities raise their concerns, advocate for better services and hold government accountable. Through their persistence and ongoing advocacy, Community Facilitators continue to make a meaningful difference in their communities. Click here to read their stories:

https://asivikelane.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/202609-CF-impact-stories.pdf

1 to 1 - Agency of Engagement Abahlali baseMjondolo Asivikelane Western Cape Behired Grooming Projects Development Action Group Ikhaka Le Africa Planact Positive Impact Defined South African SDI Alliance St James Apostolic faith Mission

28/09/2026

In 2024, mapped more than 800 VIP toilets in Johannesburg’s informal settlements, the findings were alarming. Around one in three toilets was missing its backslab cover, creating serious health and safety risks for residents.

Residents took this issue into their own hands and used their ingenuity and local knowledge to find practical ways to make their toilets safer. They designed a new backslab cover design, and then learned how to build it themselves. Now they are installing this new design in their own communities.

This is what community action looks like: developing a practical solution to a challenge that affects everyday lives. Local knowledge matters. Local solutions matter.

Planact 1 to 1 - Agency of Engagement International Budget Partnership South Africa

23/09/2026

🌱 When residents take the initiative, positive change can follow! ♻️

Residents in Lwazi Park, Barcelona, Kanana, Europe and New Rest informal settlements in Ward 40, Gugulethu took the lead in making home composting a reality in their communities.

After participating in composting workshops and learning about the benefits of reducing organic waste, residents approached the City of Cape Town to explain that they were ready and willing to compost — but needed the infrastructure to make it possible.

Their initiative paid off! 🎉 Following engagement with the City’s Urban Waste Unit, 50 composting bins have now been provided to get the programme started, with 10 residents from each settlement taking part.

This is a wonderful example of community action driving change: residents identified a solution, engaged with the City, and helped turn an idea into a practical programme.

🌿 50 residents. 5 communities. Less organic waste going to landfill. More compost going back into the soil.

A big well done to the residents of Ward 40 for taking action and showing what can happen when communities come together to create positive environmental change! 💚🌍

22/09/2026

21/09/2026

Real change starts with practical action. Through the plumbing training course, community plumber Yolanda Nqilo is using her skills to help fix taps and toilets where they are needed most. It’s a powerful example of how training, opportunity and community leadership can come together to improve everyday life and build more resilient communities.

16/09/2026

n Mangaung. 112 new toilets were installed in areas that previously had no sanitation. worked with residents to capacitate them on budget procedures, procurement and how to submit budget submissions, and now we are seeing the impact!

14/09/2026

When people are equipped with the right skills, they can create change where it matters most. Through the plumbing training course, community plumber Lathitha Didi is putting his training into action by helping repair taps and toilets in his community. His story shows how practical skills can empower people, improve daily life and build stronger communities from the ground up.

10/09/2026

♻️ Community-led change is taking root in Lwazi Park! Residents identified the need to clean up their community and helped drive the installation of a communal recycling container - turning local initiative into practical action.

Delivered in partnership with Polyco PRO NPC, Thetha Community Organisation and the City of Cape Town, this recycling depot will make it easier for residents to separate out and recycle tins, plastic and glass bottles.

To monitor the impact this project will make, we plan to conduct a baseline survey followed by weekly monitoring. We are proud of the innovation, ownership and commitment shown by residents and our partners as they work together for a cleaner community.