Peacebuilding in South Africa

Between January 2009 and December 2011, the Knowledge Production Department (KPD) will focus on Peacebuilding in South Africa as one thematic area of its work. Based on ACCORD’s core competencies in knowledge production, facilitation, negotiation and conflict management training, the work undertaken on this theme aims to build capacity for consolidating a culture of constructive crisis prevention at the national and provincial levels. ACCORD will work with stakeholders in government; the private sector, the media and civil society; and political parties to generate timely and constructive dialogue and knowledge about the issues that will influence the country’s long-term peace and prosperity. Through research, KPD examine fault lines of conflict, and map constructive approaches for peaceful political and economic transitions.

The projects undertaken aim to:

1. Provide a neutral platform for South African actors and their partners to assess the challenges to peaceful governance and development.
2. Deepen the understanding of the links between social, economic and political factors and violence during periods of transition.
3. Build the capacity of key South African government officials; the business community, representatives of civil society and the media; and political parties to cooperate in constructive resolution of disputes.
4. Develop practical policy guidance through a network of expert advisors that will support crisis management and problem-solving in South Africa.

In 2009, KPD’s research work will aim to identify fault lines for conflict in the country. Shauna Mottiar, Senior Researcher, is leading the project. Other activities include the launch of the Views and Visions of Coexistence in South Africa publication in the three communities where the research was conducted and an elections observer mission during the April 2009 national and provincial elections.