Our Vision
Makana Business and Residents’ Association aims to promote civic pride in Makana.
There is no magic wand or quick fix, but we can make a difference. Active citizenry is advancing globally as more and more people realise that they can move beyond mere dissatisfaction with government to active engagement in the building of their communities and the strengthening of service provision.
Our municipality is in particular difficulty, and is struggling with high debt and a shortage of skilled staff in key areas, which is linked to ineffective use of our limited municipal resources. The problems in our municipality are compounded by the increasing disengagement by residents who have lost faith in their local government – evidence of such disengagement can be found in non-payment of rates by a significant minority of residents and lack of respect for public areas that is expressed through activities such as illegal dumping and vandalism.
MB&RA aims to assist in facilitating a clean, safe and appealing Makhanda Central Business District.
Our aims and objectives consists of encouraging networking and information sharing amongst members to foster business and residents relationships.
Read our Constitution here.
2023
Established
5+
Weekly Update’s
129
Paying Members
6k
Social Media Followers
Our Story
In 2023 Grahamstown Business Forum (GBF) and Makana Residents’ Association (MRA) decided to join forces and become one united organisation.
Both MRA and GBF has been running for years solely on the goodwill of volunteers. MB&RA will be building on the strategy formulated by the MRA.
The first component of that strategy is to become an organisation with a strong membership following, with a relatively low monthly fee so that all parts of town can join and participate in our work. In the first year, MB&RA aims to boost membership from fewer than 200 to over 1000 members. We plan to grow our membership to 4000 members by 2026. Everyone wants and needs good and reliable services, which is why people are already joining us from all quarters.
The second component of our strategy is to secure a monthly income that enables MB&RA to grow and have sustainability. MB&RA will need 200 forward-thinking people who are prepared to make a monthly contribution in the range R30 – R100. By following this strategy the MB&RA focuses on building a strong, engaged membership base that can contribute to it’s long term sustainability. We are asking for 200 committed residents to offer this voluntary support for purely altruistic reasons, with no expectation of any special treatment or differential rights within the MB&RA.
This is a very tangible way in which residents who are better off can contribute to the creation of an organisation that will serve all residents, thereby contributing to the creation of a more cohesive Makana community.
Our Mission
Residents will be empowered
With MB&RA firmly on the map and in the consciousness of the wider public, many things become possible.
These include more regular engagement with the Makana Municipality to support the strengthening of its service delivery functions, active monitoring of commitments made to residents, more consistent liaison with residents and follow-up on their concerns, and better exchange of information to strengthen citizen participation in local government and responses to the concerns of the Makana residents.
We will, more likely be able to work proactively to support the finding of constructive solutions to our local problems, to build on our collective strengths, and draw on the depth of skills and experience available in our community.
The MB&RA is always on the lookout for active citizens who want to be involved!