Each year, the uMhlanga Urban Improvement Precinct conducts an Annual Perception Survey to better understand how the precinct is experienced by those who live, work, invest in, and visit the area.
The survey is a key accountability and engagement tool. It ensures that precinct priorities are informed by real experience on the ground and that the UIP remains responsive to how uMhlanga is used and experienced day to day.
What is a Perception Survey?
A perception survey gathers feedback from a broad cross-section of precinct users, including business owners, property owners, employees, residents, and visitors. It focuses on lived experience across key areas such as safety, cleanliness, maintenance, movement, and overall confidence in the precinct.
Rather than measuring service delivery alone, the survey captures how that delivery is experienced – both during the day and at night – by the people who use the precinct.
Why the survey is run annually
Running the survey annually allows the uMhlanga UIP to track changes in perception over time, measure the impact of precinct initiatives, and identify emerging pressure points early.
The 2025 Perception Survey, based on 177 respondents, reflected a strong overall experience of the precinct:
- 87% of respondents said they would recommend uMhlanga to others
- The precinct recorded an average overall experience rating of 7.94 out of 10
- 76% of respondents felt safe or reasonably safe during the day, with a combined 83% feeling safe or reasonably safe at night
At the same time, the survey highlighted areas requiring continued attention, including parking, taxi control, and sewerage infrastructure. These insights play an important role in guiding precinct focus and engagement.
How feedback is used
Survey results are reviewed and analysed to inform:
- Cleaning, greening, maintenance and safety priorities
- Engagement with service providers and authorities
- Communication and stakeholder engagement
- Longer-term planning within the precinct
TAKE PART IN THE 2026 PERCEPTION SURVEY
The 2026 uMhlanga UIP Perception Survey is now open. Participation from all precinct users is encouraged, as broad input ensures the results accurately reflect how uMhlanga is experienced.
The survey is short, easy to complete, and your feedback helps shape how the precinct is managed going forward.
Click here to complete the 2026 uMhlanga UIP Perception Survey
