SRA Timeline
Research and drafting the business plan
Goal: Conduct thorough research and develop a well-structured proposal to establish the UIP, ensuring alignment with municipal policies and community needs.
Week 1-2: Conduct a Survey (at least 20% of property owners) to identify key urban management issues and gauge community needs
The first step in drafting the business plan is to gather data from property owners to understand their priorities, concerns, and willingness to contribute to the UIP. The survey will focus on assessing safety and security concerns, including crime hotspots, policing effectiveness, and the need for private security. It will also identify cleaning and maintenance issues, such as illegal dumping, road conditions, and streetlight functionality. Additionally, it will gauge community interest in public space enhancements, such as park maintenance, landscaping, and recreational facilities, and evaluate affordability and willingness to pay an additional levy for these services.
To maximize participation and ensure representative input, surveys will be conducted through door-to-door interactions, online Google Forms, public meetings, and community WhatsApp groups.
Download survey distribution options
The collected data will be analyzed to inform the business plan and prioritize the most pressing needs. The Steering Committee will develop a structured questionnaire that covers key urban management issues, host information sessions to educate property owners about the UIP concept and its potential benefits and provide multiple submission options for survey responses.
Week 2-3: Draft the UIP Business Plan
Once the survey results are compiled, the Steering Committee will develop a comprehensive UIP Business Plan. This document will include a clear vision and mission statement, emphasizing enhanced urban management and community-driven service improvements. The plan will also provide a detailed breakdown of proposed initiatives, including security enhancements such as hiring private security personnel, installing CCTV cameras, improving street lighting, and strengthening coordination with SAPS and Metro Police.
Download a business plan template
Other key services outlined will include cleaning and urban management, focusing on regular litter removal, maintenance of sidewalks and public spaces, and response teams for illegal dumping and graffiti removal. The plan will also incorporate public space enhancements, such as beautification projects, landscaping, maintenance of parks and recreational areas, and additional street furniture. A section on community engagement programs will highlight regular communication with residents, public meetings, and transparency mechanisms to keep stakeholders informed.
A financial model will be included in the business plan, detailing the projected annual costs for each service, the proposed levy structure based on property value categories to ensure equitable contributions, and the estimated impact on property values and community safety. The governance structure will be defined to ensure transparency and accountability, including the establishment of a Non-Profit Company (NPC) to oversee UIP operations and manage funds, the formation of a Board of Directors composed of property owners and community representatives, and the implementation of annual reporting requirements and public participation mechanisms.
The initial draft will be presented to stakeholders for feedback before submission to the municipality. The Steering Committee will ensure that the business plan is clear, realistic, and aligned with the needs identified in the survey.
Week 4: Engage with legal and financial experts to ensure compliance with the Municipal Property Rates Act and municipal policies
Before finalizing the business plan, the Steering Committee will consult with legal advisors to ensure compliance with the Municipal Property Rates Act (MPRA) and eThekwini’s Special Rating Area (SRA) Policy. Financial consultants will be engaged to validate budget estimates, confirm levy calculations, and set up proper financial governance structures. Municipal officials will also review the preliminary plan, address potential concerns, and ensure all regulatory requirements are met.
During this phase, the Steering Committee will review contracting and procurement policies to ensure compliance with financial regulations. They will also establish a transparent financial reporting system for the collection and allocation of UIP levies. Engaging with municipal representatives will allow for a pre-screening of the proposal to ensure it meets all necessary requirements before formal submission.
This phase is critical to ensure the UIP application is legally compliant, financially sustainable, and well-positioned for approval. The finalized plan will be used to gain community consent and proceed with the municipal application process.
Download a business plan template