Asivikelane is an initiative that gives a voice to residents of South Africa's informal settlements who face significant shortages in basic services. With a focus on major cities, Asivikelane aims to address the lack of access to water, clean toilets, and waste removal that many residents in these settlements experience. The initiative collects detailed information from residents on a monthly basis, which is then shared with relevant municipalities and government departments to prompt swift action.

The campaign, which means Let's protect one another in Zulu, was established during the national lockdown due to the Covid-19 crisis in March 2020. Currently, Asivikelane operates in 10 municipalities, covering 400 informal settlements, and works in partnership with various organizations across South Africa. Residents are engaged through SMS/WhatsApp or telephonic surveys, where they are asked about their access to basic services and encouraged to provide additional details, photos, and videos.

The results are collated, analyzed, and published on the Asivikelane website for transparent access. Asivikelane also collaborates with IBP South Africa, an organization focused on improving service delivery to poor communities through effective budget implementation. Their work includes monitoring service delivery, analyzing budgetary reasons for poor services, advocating for budget transparency and participation, and empowering residents and civil society organizations to engage with the government.

By bridging the communication gap between municipal governments and informal settlements, Asivikelane strives to create meaningful change and ensure that the basic needs of residents in these settlements are met