In a continued effort to strengthen social cohesion and build sustainable peace, ACCORD in collaboration with AgendaGL, hosted a community dialogue in KwaMashu on 13 October 2025. This dialogue marked the first in a series of planned sessions for KwaMashu, Umlazi, and Isipingo, bringing together local leaders, ward committee members, representatives from community policing forums, women’s groups, youth organisations and other stakeholders.
The initiative builds on the momentum generated from social cohesion and peacebuilding workshops held in August 2025, where communities identified key issues threatening peace and stability in their areas. The KwaMashu dialogue created a safe space for open discussions on these concerns, encouraging participants to share experiences and co-develop community-driven solutions.
A central issue raised during the dialogue was the alarming rate of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the local community. Participants shared personal testimonies and reflections on how GBV affects individuals, families and the broader society. Root causes such as poverty, unemployment, substance abuse and the breakdown of family structures were explored in depth. Participants’ emphasised that building stronger families and promoting positive behaviour at home are essential steps in preventing violence in the wider community.
The dialogue also underscored the importance of breaking the silence surrounding GBV, especially when it involves male victims. Participants pointed out that stigma and societal expectations often prevent men from speaking out, leaving many to suffer in silence. They called for increased awareness and the creation of safe spaces where both men and women can access help without fear of judgment. Institutions that support victims such as Thuthuzela Care Centres, Police Stations and the Department of Justice were identified as crucial resources that need to be better publicized and supported.
This engagement forms part of ACCORD’s broader Social Cohesion and Peacebuilding Programme, which focuses on strengthening the role of community stakeholders in preventing conflict and promoting long-term peace. The dialogue in KwaMashu demonstrated the power of community-driven solutions and reaffirmed the importance of local partnerships in addressing pressing social challenges. Through these dialogues, ACCORD aims to empower communities to take ownership of peacebuilding efforts. By fostering inclusion and amplifying diverse voices, ACCORD seeks to promote understanding, tolerance and collaboration among residents.
