Coexistence Community Consultations

The Coexistence project was launched in November 2003 following the signing of a one year memorandum of understanding between ACCORD and the Washington-based Co-existence Initiative (TCI). The project is intended to undertake studies in South Africa on co-existence and conflict management post-1994.

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Constitutionalism in Africa Programme

The Constitutionalism in Africa Project was a result of a tripartite collaboration between the governments of South Africa, Switzerland, and ACCORD. It was one of the few programmes that brought together government and civil society to pragmatically address conflict management in Africa. The project was launched in November 2000 and ended in November 2002. It was financed by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

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Education for Peace in Africa

In 1993 ACCORD started a series of circulars to universities in 24 African countries in order to encourage the academic development of dispute resolution teaching and research. In 1995 ACCORD was then commissioned by UNESCO to draft a report on Peace Education at the universities of Southern Africa.

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Elections Programme

Elections are a key component of democratic processes. The regular holding of credible and legitimate elections is a forerunner to the establishment of legitimate governments. The creation of a neutral and tolerant political atmosphere conducive to the conduct and management of elections, particularly in most African countries, has been challenging to achieve. Worldwide, particularly in developing countries, elections have come to be associated with the eruption of ethnic and other tensions and the increase in social antagonism as various social groups compete for ownership and control of state machinery.

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Leadership Programme for Africa

Effective and good political leaders are not only able to guide their governments and perform effectively for their citizens, but can claim their place and effectiveness in the global community. Within their countries, "they deliver high security for the state and the person; a functioning rule of law; education; health; and a framework conducive to economic growth. They ensure effective arteries of commerce and enshrine personal and human freedoms. They empower civil society and protect the environmental commons. Crucially, good leaders also provide their citizens with a sense of belonging to a national enterprise of which everyone can be proud. They unite rather than unravel their nations and seek to be remembered for how they have bettered the real lives of the governed rather than the fortunes of the few." ("Leadership in Africa," The Mombasa Declaration 20 March 2004, African Leadership Council.)

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PCR Policy Framework Initiative

The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD’s) Peace and Security Programme, in conjunction with ACCORD, has developed a policy framework for post-conflict reconstruction. The NEPAD Secretariat requested ACCORD, in August 2004, to facilitate a process for developing a strategic policy framework for post-conflict reconstruction for the African Union (AU)/NEPAD. The project commenced with the development of concept papers on elements of post-conflict reconstruction, followed by a regional workshop, and the development of a draft framework for post-conflict reconstruction in Africa.

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Preventive Action Programme

Key to the prevention of conflict is the development of skills in methods of conflict management and the provision for dialogue between various stakeholders. The Preventive Action Programme at ACCORD emphasizes the importance of building relationships between stakeholders, at the same time equipping them with skills in managing conflict. The Preventive Action programme worked from three pillars, namely training, dialogue and research.

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Promotion of Administrative Justice

A joint project of ACCORD, GTZ and the Justice College/Department of Justice:

The Promotion of Administrative Justice Act is a new act of parliament designed to give effect to provisions in the Constitution and Bill of Rights for fair, just and transparent governance. This site offers further information on a project to train NGOs across South Africa in the Act. Organisations can also register for participation in the project.

ACCORD was contracted in 2003/4 by the German development agency, GTZ, in partnership with the Justice College in Pretoria, to train NGOs throughout South Africa in the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act of 2000.

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