Why SPARC?

The typical ratepayer’s organisation (RPA) is not a new idea. While any individual may interact with a town council, a RPA is the officially mandated representative body of residents in these matters and is the collective voice for an informed and involved community. This is our PURPOSE! Since 1652 local government (Municipalities as we know them), South Africa and RPA’s have gone through numerous changes. Given the history and effect on communities during the past 30 years, it is evident that a change of direction is what is needed to prevent a complete collapse of services to communities. That spark erupted in August 2023.

The structure, admin and management of RPA’s have also evolved with the times and we are utilising the Community Action Network (CAN) developed by OUTA which greatly improve the communication and administrative functions which are inevitably a necessity to manage an RPA. A great thanks to them for their patience and efforts to make some adaptations required by SPARC management. We now have a more functional system and ready to resolve any hiccups which may surface once we go “live”.

 SPARC was formed as a result of spontaneous need. Our Constitution is based on a number of values and objectives for the community of which the most important is regarded as expressed in our slogan: Stronger Together. Our Mission Statement is that we are an apolitical, community driven, non-profit organisation representing and promoting the interest of SMA residents and ratepayers through communication, connectivity and collaboration.

 Our involvement shall be based on SERVICE, LEADERSHIP, IMPARTIALITY AND INCLUSIVITY.

Our objective is to create a community co-operative watchdog oversight role, acting within the parameters of the applicable Municipal Acts with particular emphasis on their mandate and the constitutional rights of residents and ratepayers, considering sustainability and viability in its broadest interpretation for the benefit of everyone, regardless of the demographics.

We aim to provide a forum to discuss concerns of businesses, ratepayers and residents by drawing from members with business acumen with the proven competence to engage in a critical thinking process. It is thus imperative that fellow South Africans, whom meet these criteria, step forward and share their insights. SPARC officials are volunteers whom, at this stage, are not salaried employees and thus depend on people motivated for the cause of the organisation. We do have expenses and are thus reliant on donations and membership fees to keep the RPA sustainable. Up to now funding has been from the Directors alone.

To date SPARC has been overwhelmed by public requests for assistance with a number of issues and have formed alliances with several organisations such as OUTA (Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse), The GRRA and Sakeliga. We have a Whats-App Group of around 900 and a Facebook following. Our webpage www.sparc.org.co.za is where you can sign up for membership and make donations. Our donations system is completely automated through the website.

Hennie Smit    Chairman